With Collaboration to Renewable Success, Says Legal Expert (UK)

COLLABORATION between companies will be vital if the Humber is going to harness its renewable energy ambitions, according to a leading solicitor working in the industry.

Andrew Oliver, head of renewables at Andrew Jackson, which has offices in Hull and Grimsby, said new partnerships were crucial for success in the emerging green energy sector.

It comes as Andrew Jackson announced its sponsorship of the Humber Renewables Awards 2012.

The first time such accolades have been staged locally, the event will recognise individuals, organisations and businesses that are working to develop renewables as a major industry in the region.

Andrew Jackson is sponsoring the Humber Renewables Business of the Year – more than 50 employees – category.

 Mr Oliver said the region has huge potential in the sector, but the industry demanded closer working between organisations.

He said: “The last 12 months have seen tremendous growth and there are great opportunities for the Humber and our businesses.

 “But the industry is so big and diverse that collaboration is key for those companies wanting to secure work and contracts in the future.

 “This is particularly important for small players, who will need to come together to present a bold case in order to best-find their place in the supply chain.

 “There is also a requirement for collaboration between those organisations and bodies representing the Humber and the region’s interests, to ensure the area’s message is not diluted.”

Andrew Jackson is one of the region’s best-established legal practices, offering services to clients based both in the UK and overseas.

With its broad commercial base ranging from advice on shipping and maritime law through to trade agreements, employment and property law, the firm’s renewables team can advise on all the legal issues that may arise from those entering, or already doing business, in the energy sector.

The company is acting for five offshore wind farm developers as well as several companies involved in the operation, maintenance and chartering of support vessels, together with dealing with cabling and compensation agreements.

In terms of onshore energy schemes, Andrew Jackson has been advising landowners on the installation of wind turbines and solar power for a number of years and has also worked with biofuel plants, waste-to-energy generation and anaerobic digestion projects.

Mr Oliver said with such a diverse mix of renewable energy developments on the horizon, the Humber is well placed to play a significant role in the industry.

He said: “I don’t think anybody has truly grasped how large this opportunity is yet, especially as technologies such as carbon capture are still to come to the fore.

 “But we have the location and skills in the Humber to be a force in the renewables sector.

 “However, other areas are within striking distance to secure work too – especially for offshore wind – and we will really have to work for it as a region to succeed.”

The Humber Renewables Awards are being hosted by specialist public relations and marketing company Footprint Renewables, in association with Mail News & Media, publisher of the Hull Daily Mail.

Eight award categories are available to enter and a panel of independent judges, drawn from the renewables industry and local business community, will select the winners – who will be announced at a dinner at The Deep in Hull on March 2.

[mappress]

Source: footprintrenewables, January 17, 2012