Top-level speakers set for Hartlepool energy debate

Former Secretary of State for Business, Lord Hutton of Furness, will lead the event which comes to Wynyard Hall on February 11.

And it comes at a time when the landscape of the energy industry is dramatically changing - including the unprecedented drop in the oil price to around $30 a barrel.

The free-to-attend debate on is organised by Square One Law in conjunction with Brewin Dolphin, KPMG, NOF Energy and Tees Valley Unlimited.

It will discuss the outlook for the oil and gas market and the opportunities for the regional supply chain, which also include areas such as offshore renewables, North Sea decommissioning, nuclear and shale gas.

Lord Hutton, who served as Business Secretary in Gordon Brown’s cabinet between 2007 and 2008 and is currently Chairman of the Nuclear Industry Association will be joined on the panel by a group of energy industry specialists including Peter Stephenson from North East-based decommissioning and offshore renewables specialists, Able UK.

Alan Duncan from international energy industry consultancy BVG Associates and Gran Potter from private equity firm Blue Water Energy will also be there.

Also featuring on the panel will be Stephen Catchpole, Managing Director of Tees Valley Unlimited, and energy advisors including James Bryce from Square One Law and Elaine Coverley at Brewin Dolphin.

James Bryce, Partner at Square One Law, said: ““This event will generate some lively debate about the future role of North East business in the sector from a panel with broad and detailed experience operating across the industry.”

The Energy Debate: ‘What Does the Future Hold?’ will start at 8am on February 11 and last until around 10.30am in the Grand Marquee at Wynyard Hall.

Places are free, but they are limited. Anyone wanting to book a place at the event should email [email protected]