Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Taproom Talks

Send us a text

In this episode of Taproom Talks, Kenny Dooley is joined by Phil Mote, CEO and co-founder of Well-safe Solutions. 

Phil shares his incredible journey from an apprentice at Halliburton to leading a company that's revolutionising the decommissioning sector in the oil and gas industry. Discover the challenges of starting a business from scratch, navigating market downturns like Covid and the EPL levy, expanding globally to Australia and Southeast Asia, and the importance of talent and investment in a complex and ever-evolving industry. Get insights into Well-safe's unique modular approach to well lifecycle services and their vision for the future of the North Sea and beyond.

Send us a text

In this episode of taproom talks Kenny is joined by Beena Sharma from CCU International.

Beena shares her fascinating journey, from starting with a law degree to transitioning into the energy industry, and eventually co-founding CCU International. She discusses the challenges of commercialising carbon capture technology, the importance of carbon utilisation, and the misconceptions surrounding carbon capture and storage.

Beena also talks about her work with Women in New Energy and Internet Zero, highlighting the need for diversity and role models in the energy transition space. Finally, she offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs and startups in the clean tech industry.

Send us a text

In this episode of Taproom Talks, Kenny Dooley is joined by Colin Manson from Xergy Group, who shares his journey from chemical engineering to building successful businesses in the oil and gas industry.

He recounts his early career at Enterprise Oil and Genesis, leading to the founding of Exodus in 2005, which rapidly grew to 750 people. Manson discusses the sale of Exodus to a Japanese company in 2013, reflecting on the challenges and lessons learned. He then details the creation of Xergy Group, a tech business focused on the Proteus project management system, which aims to integrate AI for proposal writing and project optimisation. Manson also touches on his leadership style, the importance of a strong management team, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Send us a text

In this episode of Taproom Talks, Kenny Dooley sits down with Mark Skinner of Scotsbridge. Mark shares his journey from an apprentice mechanic to managing director of John Bell Pipeline, detailing how he and Brian Thompson grew the company and navigated the cyclical oil and gas industry.

He also discusses the decision to sell John Bell Pipeline to Bianco Group and his subsequent role in internationalising their businesses, which ultimately led to the creation of Scotsbridge.

Mark provides insights into assisting UK businesses in developing within Southeast Asia, focusing on the ASEAN region, and offers advice on leadership, building niche businesses, and the future of the North East's energy sector. He emphasises the importance of mentorship and giving back, drawing from his own experiences.

Send us a text

In this powerful episode of Taproom Talks, host Kenny Dooley sits down with Steve Beedie of Unspoken Wounds. Steve shares his incredibly raw and honest journey, from a challenging childhood in Banff and joining the Army at 16, to enduring harrowing tours in Kosovo and Iraq. He recounts the traumatic experiences that led to his struggles with PTSD, including a deeply affecting incident in Kosovo and the murder of six RMP in Basra.Steve opens up about his multiple suicide attempts, the immense personal toll of his mental health battles, and how finding Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" became a pivotal turning point. He discusses his transition from the military to the offshore oil and gas industry, and ultimately, his decision to leave a financially secure career to dedicate himself to Unspoken Wounds.Discover how Unspoken Wounds, initially a veterans' charity, evolved to support the loved ones of servicemen, and now helps energy companies foster open conversations about mental health. Steve passionately emphasizes the importance of asking for help, arguing that it's the bravest act and that a career is "just a fucking career" compared to one's life and family. This episode is a profound exploration of resilience, vulnerability, and the transformative power of addressing unspoken wounds

Send us a text

This episode of Taproom Talks features Kenny Dooley in conversation with Davis Larrsen, the CEO of Proserv. Davis, with over 30 years in the energy industry, shares his journey from the North East of England to leading a global company headquartered in Aberdeen. He discusses his progression from a financial analyst at Schlumberger to CEO, crediting strong mentors and a willingness to embrace uncomfortable challenges. Davis also highlights Proserv's strategic pivot into renewables, focusing on control technologies for cable monitoring and wind turbine systems, and the challenges of transitioning from traditional oil and gas. He emphasizes the importance of a strong, globally consistent company culture built on honesty, respect, and "winning behaviors," and calls for a long-term, cross-party energy policy for the UK.

Send us a text

In this episode of Taproom Talks features Kenny Dooley in conversation with Tristam Horn, an energy entrepreneur and former drilling engineer who founded Delta Tech in 2015. Tristam shares the challenging journey of building Delta Tech from the ground up, navigating early R&D, funding struggles during the 2015 oil price crash, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his business and personal life. He discusses the critical role of organizations like the OGTC (now Net Zero Technology Centre) in fostering new technology adoption, the importance of intellectual property, and Delta Tech's eventual acquisition by Expro. Tristam, now a senior product line manager at Expro, also touches on the cultural shift from a nimble startup to a global company and his passion for developing new technologies in the energy sector.

Send us a text

In this episode of Taproom Talks features Kenny Dooley in conversation with Ray Riddoch, a veteran of the UK oil and gas industry since 1981.

Ray shares insights from his decades-long career, from working offshore and overseas to leading Nexen (later CNOOC) as the largest oil and gas producer in the UK. He discusses the evolution of leadership, the impact of significant events like Piper Alpha, the changing industry landscape, and the crucial role of technology and people in the energy transition.

Ray also offers his candid views on the pace of net-zero targets and the importance of fostering talent and understanding within the sector.

Send us a text

Ever wonder how a guy goes from dusty limestone quarries to running a multi-million-pound business? Tune into this episode of Taproom Talks, where Kenny Dooley chats with Mick Beavers, the driving force behind Control Valve Solutions. Mick spills the beans on his incredible journey, kicking off in some seriously old-school quarries before building his empire.

But it's not just about business wins. Mick gets real about his personal battles with mental health, sharing his story as a two-time suicide survivor. He opens up about the tough times and how those experiences totally shaped the awesome culture at Control Valve Solutions. You'll hear how a LinkedIn post about mental health absolutely blew up, connecting him with people struggling all over the world.

Beyond the raw honesty, Mick dives into the nitty-gritty of starting Control Valve Solutions with a "stolen laptop" and a £15,000 kitchen loan (yep, you read that right!). He takes us back to the garage days and how landing a game-changing contract with Talisman completely changed everything. Plus, get the inside scoop on their custom-built "CVS Manager" software that keeps everything running smoothly.

Mick also shares his take on riding the waves of the energy sector, including weathering the 2014 downturn and the whole COVID-19 mess. He talks about what's next for Control Valve Solutions, their dive into AI, and why they're looking to go global. This episode is a powerful listen about bouncing back, building a killer team, and the vital importance of talking openly about mental health.

Send us a text

On this episode of Taproom Talks, host Kenny Dooley sits down with NJ Ayuk JD, Chairman of the African Energy Chamber and organiser of Africa Energy Week. They delve into NJ's journey from civil rights lawyer to a key figure in the energy sector, discussing his personal background and the formation of Centurion Law Group. The conversation covers the challenges and rewards of building a Pan-African law company, including overcoming racial barriers.A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Africa's energy independence, the initiatives of the African Energy Chamber, and the importance of judicial modernisation and strategic partnerships. NJ shares his vision for empowering young African entrepreneurs and defends the critical role of the oil and gas industry in the continent's development, highlighting opportunities for investment and innovation. The episode also touches on the personal sacrifices involved in his demanding career and his perspective on the demonisation of the oil and gas industry.

Send us a text

In this episode of Taproom Talks, host Kenny Dooley sits down with Bob Keiller, Chair of Our Union Street and Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce. Bob shares his incredible journey, from his early career to transitioning into the oil and gas industry, and eventually leading a management buyout of part of Halliburton's business. He recounts the audacious move of approaching Halliburton's CFO to buy the production services division, the challenges of securing funding (including that memorable presentation in London!), and navigating the 2008 financial crisis.Discover how Bob and his team quadrupled the value of PSN in just five years by focusing on culture, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, ultimately leading to its acquisition by Wood Group. Bob also delves into the complexities of integrating two large organizations, his unique approach to communication (including "your baby is ugly" notes!), and the importance of a well-defined leadership framework. He shares heartwarming stories that exemplify the company's core values, like helping an employee with cancer and supporting the Glencraft workshop for the blind and disabled.Finally, Bob discusses his current passion for helping other entrepreneurs, offering valuable advice on market validation, clear communication, and the critical role of cash flow for early-stage businesses. He also emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and giving back to the community.Don't miss this insightful conversation on leadership, entrepreneurship, and making a real difference!

Send us a text

In this episode of Taproom Talks, host Kenny Dooley sits down with James Gregg, a co-founder and European Regional Director of Motive Offshore Group. James shares the incredible story of Motive, from its humble beginnings in a car garage to becoming a global leader in offshore equipment, now employing 380 people.

James takes listeners back to his roots in rural Cornhill, growing up around his dad's car garage, which unknowingly laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial spirit. He recounts his 15-year career at a hydraulic company, starting as a trainee and working his way up to general manager, transitioning the business from a fishing industry focus to oil and gas.

Discover the "hardest thing" James ever did: leaving his secure role at 30 to start Motive. He reveals how a small shed at his dad's garage became the birthplace of their first manufactured HPU, and how building strong client relationships and achieving ISO 9001 accreditation were crucial early enablers for growth.

The conversation delves into Motive's strategic evolution, from manufacturing and rentals to their CNI (Certification & Inspection) division, and their expansion into renewables. James discusses the pivotal decision to take on private equity funding with EV in 2018 to de-risk and fuel growth, and the subsequent transition to H2 Equity Partners, along with the major acquisition of Aquatic.

James offers insights into how Motive maintains its strong "People & Planet" culture across diverse global locations, emphasizing internal promotion and hiring for mindset over just qualifications. He also shares candidly about the intense challenges faced during industry downturns, including re-mortgaging homes and micromanaging every payment to save the business. This episode is a testament to resilience, strategic vision, and the power of people in building a thriving global enterprise.

Send us a text

Welcome to Taproom Talks! In this episode, our host Kenny Dooley sits down with Annabel Sall, the dynamic CEO of Think PR. Get ready to hear Annabel's remarkable story of building a leading energy-focused PR, marketing, and design firm from the ground up over 21 years.Annabel takes us back to the beginning, sharing her vision for Think PR: to champion SMEs in Aberdeen. You'll discover how she networked her way through the local business scene, securing her very first client, a connection she maintains to this day. Learn about Think PR's impressive global expansion, as Annabel forged vital relationships in key energy hubs like Dubai and Houston, all while navigating the unique challenges of running an international business from Aberdeen.But Annabel's impact extends far beyond business growth. She's deeply committed to the community, serving on the board for Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland (A&ND) and actively contributing to Women in New Energy. Hear about the heartwarming success of their recent fundraising dinner, which raised an incredible £68,000 for A&ND, and why she believes in empowering charities through effective profile raising and public engagement.Annabel also gets candid about the realities of entrepreneurship, from managing financial responsibilities to adapting through oil price crashes, unpredictable energy markets, and global pandemics. This conversation is a powerful testament to resilience, the enduring strength of relationships, and the relentless drive to continuously learn and adapt in a fast-paced industry. You won't want to miss it!

Send us a text

Welcome back to Taproom Talks! Today, our host Kenny Dooley sits down with David Sheret, the insightful founder of Sheret Offshore Energy. Join us as David recounts his fascinating career journey, beginning in marketing where he engaged with Aberdeen Football Club, and how that unique background eventually led him to establish his own strategic consulting and pre-screening firm in the dynamic world of offshore energy. David will unveil the distinct advantage of Sheret Offshore Energy. Discover how his firm provides candid, objective advice, meticulously preparing companies for complex transactions or capital raising. He'll share why integrity and deep industry experience are paramount in helping businesses proactively identify challenges and unlock their maximum value, setting his approach apart from conventional investment banking. Our conversation then plunges into David's seamless transition into the oil and gas industry. He'll reveal how his early marketing experiences became a foundation for a successful career in business development and sales. We'll explore his astute observations on the evolving landscape of the North Sea, the critical importance of life extension for subsea infrastructure, and the transformative role of data and technology in optimizing asset performance. Finally, David casts his gaze to the future of the energy sector, emphasizing the vital need for meticulous preparation and strategic engagement. This episode promises a compelling blend of entrepreneurial spirit, hard-won industry wisdom, and a truly forward-thinking perspective on the complex challenges and exciting opportunities shaping the offshore energy market. You won't want to miss it!