We begin this year with a new name and fresh logo, signifying the unification of two great companies. This represents another important landmark in our evolution, and is the hallmark of an organisation that is not content to stand still, always striving to be better. We are justifiably proud of our legacy and heritage, and I believe our new trading name of Oil Spill Response reflects this and gives us an effective banner with which to go into 2009.
Looking back on our achievement during the course of the last year - and indeed the half-way point of our five year vision 2006-2010 - I am enthused by the dynamic developments that have taken place, championed by a talented, energetic and committed workforce of whom I am profoundly proud. Our operating scenario is one of continual change and challenge, and as we review the current external influences and in particular the turmoil in the global economy, we are sure that this will continue for some time to come. It is however as much an opportunity for us as a threat, potentially generating much more demand. Our vision and long term plan for success hold fast but we must be alert to the many drivers that may impact us.
We have over the last few years been growing our expertise and training comprehensively to occupational standards, developing a flexible, multi-skilled pool of expert resource able to support you in both short term projects and longer term assignments. As your demands increase - as they have so much over the last year - we see the need to be ever more agile and responsive. I hope that in this yearbook you will see the wide range of services and expertise available to you.
We understand the requirement to be in areas where you need us most, such as those of major development - as is now the case in Libya, West Africa and Indonesia. We also advocate the benefits that accrue to industry in better use of resources and leaner solutions, and to that end are developing stronger alliances with other industry cooperatives to enhance global integration.
Throughout the coming year we will continue to place particular emphasis on improving direct communication with you through our customer engagement programme. This provides the opportunity for us to listen to your needs and also to measure our performance. I have very much enjoyed my part in this programme and look forward to meeting many of you again in 2009.
Our agenda is huge, but it is my commitment that we will continue to develop and adapt as necessary in order to deliver what you our customers need - in both tough times and good.
Yours sincerely,
ARCHIE SMITH
Chief Executive
January 2009
