IBBC’s development of oil and gas in Iraq seminar, which was hosted at Cumberland Lodge in Windsor between 15 and 17 July, has been commended as a huge success.

Thirty-seven members attended the seminar, which commenced with a dinner on Friday evening addressed by Robin Ord-Smith MVO, the Director of UKTI Iraq. The seminar on Saturday, received presentations on: crude export situation – export challenges that Iraq faces (by Mott Macdonald and Penspen); Project Execution (by Foster Wheeler); Natural Gas (by Shell); and Training of Iraqi Staff (by KCA Deutag). The lunch was addressed by HM Ambassador to Iraq, Mr Michael Aron.

Discussions focused heavily on education and training of Iraqi professionals, enhancing the transfer of knowledge and technology creating a lasting and sustainable legacy for the Iraqi people.

In addition to the business of the seminar, members were able to enjoy the serene environment offered by the seventeenth century Cumberland Lodge, located within the heart of Windsor Great Park.

HMA to Iraq, Mr Michael Aron stated: “In my contacts with the participants at this excellent event I was struck by how much British companies are contributing to the development of Iraq’s vital oil and gas industry. Working with the IBBC I hope we can encourage more British companies to work in Iraq across the range of sectors.”

John Attrill, Chairman of IBBC’s Oil & Gas Sector Table – who chaired the seminar – commented: “I am delighted that this seminar was such an outstanding success: it complements the other activities that IBBC has hosted already this year, and forms part of a wider programme to explore issues of real importance to businesses between Britain and Iraq. The active participation of our members in all of our events has re-inforced and re-emphasised the fundamental ethos underpinning IBBC: ‘together we build Iraq’”.

Baroness Nicholson, Executive Chairman of IBBC, added: “the issues covered during this seminar were of key relevance to a large number of IBBC members, and the networking opportunities were enhanced by the beauty and majesty of our surroundings. IBBC is truly grateful to Cumberland Lodge, and, in particular, it’s Principal, Dr Alastair Niven OBE, for enabling us to use this wonderful facility”.

The IBBC’s Council, which also met at Cumberland Lodge during the week-end, has agreed to hold a similar event during 2012