UK's Oil & Gas Dilemma: Russell Borthwick, Aberdeen Grampian Chamber of Commerce

In this episode Our host Stuart Broadley welcomes Russell Borthwick, CEO of the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC), for a deep dive into the economic "storm" currently facing the energy capital of Europe. Following AGCC’s recognition as the UK Chamber of Commerce of the Year, Russell shares why he has become a vocal advocate against policies he believes are over-accelerating the decline of the North Sea.Stuart and Russell explore the "self-made challenge" of current UK energy policy, contrasting it with the approach of peer nations like Norway, where the industry remains a celebrated pillar of national wealth. They discuss the North Sea Transition Task Force and the urgent call for an independent body—similar to the Bank of England—to set long-term energy strategy above the fray of short-term political cycles.The conversation pulls no punches on the human and economic cost of the transition. From the loss of a "Grangemouth per fortnight" in jobs to the "crisis of confidence" spreading into the wider regional economy of transport, retail, and professional services, Russell argues that the UK is at risk of repeating the de-industrialization of 1980s coal communities. This episode provides a critical look at the "bridge" needed to protect a world-class supply chain while navigating the road to Net Zero.What Is the EIC? The Energy Industries Council (EIC) is one of the world’s largest energy trade associations. As a not-for-profit organisation, it supports more than 950 member companies involved in the global energy value chain. EIC operates internationally, with offices in London, Kuala Lumpur, Rio de Janeiro, Houston, Dubai, and soon, Berlin.It is energy agnostic, supporting all parts of the energy sector. From mature renewable onshore and offshore sectors like wind, solar and hydropower; to grid infrastructure and large nuclear; to hydrocarbon sectors like oil & gas, LNG, FPSO, decommissioning, upstream, midstream and downstream; to emerging low-carbon sectors like hydrogen, carbon capture, CCUS, energy storage, BESS, biofuels, SAF (sustainable aviation fuels), and geothermal.EIC provides a wide range of services, including access to global market intelligence, CAPEX and OPEX project data, consulting support, events, business development opportunities, and advocacy. It also facilitates connections with key decision-makers and policymakers in the energy sector worldwide.Stay Connected with EIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about the EIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore EIC membership ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about the Five Golden Rules for a Healthy Energy Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn about EIC Consult⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IMO's Net Zero Framework⁠Contact Stuart Broadley about doing your own C-level EIC podcast at [email protected]