When it's time for change start here

The Petroplan US team are out in force at this week's Gastech Conference and Exhibition taking place 17-20 September, 2024 at the George R Brown Convention Center in Houston TX. 

"The energy at Gastech today is fantastic." says Jaime Hewitt, Business Manager, "We've been having some amazing conversations with both old and new connections."

With 50,000 visitors expected across the four days, there's plenty of people at the event. There are almost 800 exhibitors, including Petroplan with a dedicated stand at B100C. 

"We're here to help people," says Sam Erickson, Business Manager, "I've been speaking to people about how we can help with their hiring challenges, particularly for projects in Mexico where Petroplan has real strengths when it comes to bringing in international talent." 

The exhibition includes 20 international country pavilions, showcasing technology and innovative solutions. 

Specialist industry areas include decarbonization technologies, climatetech & AI, and hydrogen, alongside dedicated conference areas focusing on critical industry issues. 

Traffic at Petroplan's stand has been steady throughout the event so far. 

"I really enjoy the international feel of this conference and appreciate all of the interest in Petroplan", says Jaime, "Petroplan has so much to contribute, Gastech is the place to be this week." 

For more information about Petroplan and what we can deliver, reach out to any of the team through houston@petroplan.com 

Petroplan is excited to attend Gastech, showcasing its specialized talent solutions for the energy sector.

The event provides a platform to connect with industry leaders, explore innovations, and demonstrate Petroplan’s expertise in delivering top-tier recruitment services tailored to the evolving needs of the gas, LNG, and energy industries.

Visit the Petroplan team at Stand B100C for a chance to win an iPad and meet the team. Learn more about how we can overcome your hiring challenges, or assist in your job search.

As the Regional Director, USA for Petroplan, I am thrilled to share some updates from our Houston office. 

Petroplan has embarked on a transformative journey following our acquisition by TXM Group.  

This milestone presents exciting new opportunities for our team and you, our valued clients, candidates and contractors. We are now better positioned than ever to deliver exceptional value by leveraging the combined strengths of Petroplan and TXM Group across the globe. As always, we remain dedicated to addressing your hiring challenges and delivering the ideal workforce to meet your needs. I look forward to sharing more details soon. 

 We are expanding our Houston team with top-tier talent.  

We are excited to welcome specialists in the LNG and emerging energies sectors to our team. With their extensive knowledge and experience, these new additions significantly enhance our expertise in critical areas of the energy industry and ensure we can meet the evolving needs of our clients. They allow us to provide you with even more tailored solutions and resources, ultimately enabling us to serve you better than ever before.

Petroplan will be at Gastech.

The team is looking forward to participating in Gastech September 17-20 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Stand B100C. I invite you to stop by and connect with our team – I am eager to learn more about your needs and explore how we can support you. 
Thank you for being a part of our journey. I look forward to sharing more updates soon.

Best regards,  
Craig

Craig McConochie, Regional Director, Petroplan USA

Craig.McConochie@petroplan.com

Shannon Johnson is a heavy hitter for the Petroplan operations team. On any single day she will be juggling candidate visa processes, managing multiple clients and keeping immigration attorneys close to ensure compliance at every stage. 

We asked Shannon about her role, her motivations, and her hopes for the future.

Can you tell us a bit about your career journey and what led you to this role?

I began working in the Oil and Gas Industry in 2010 with a focus on international immigration for Oil and Gas Clients. At first I processed work permits and mobilized UK and US nationals for projects in Africa (Angola – Congo), then Saudi Arabia, Equatorial Guinea, and Brazil and so on. 
As my career progressed, I gained the knowledge that’s essential for successful US Immigration and Compliance, which has helped me in developing and managing several key clients at Petroplan.
Now my role means supporting our clients’ day-to-day operations, and candidates with mobilization and then throughout their employment with Petroplan. 

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your new role so far?

Watching candidates thrive in their new positions and seeing the positive impact on both clients’ and Petroplan's operations is deeply rewarding. The positive feedback I get confirms I’ve positively influenced my candidates' careers, and contributed to my clients' success. This gives me a real sense of accomplishment. 

How do you tackle the challenges associated with the E2 visa application process?

Being well-informed is crucial for overcoming visa challenges. Preventing issues before they arise is key, so it's important to manage requirements. For example: I pre-screen candidates and help them prepare for a successful visa interview so they know what to expect. We avoid delays and any unexpected surprises. Being proactive means contingency planning, so I’m ready for potential issues and can adapt quickly as needed. 

Staying up-to-date on visa requirements and changes to U.S. immigration laws is a vital part of my role. I work closely with our excellent immigration attorneys to ensure full compliance.

Getting the visa is just part of the journey - success in my role means offering ongoing, personalized support that helps employees adjust to actually working and living in the US. With my experience I have lots of success stories to guide them through the transition, and we have many resources to make the move easier. I am always gathering feedback from both clients and employees on the relocation process – this information helps me make improvements for the next case.

Can you share an interesting fact or insight about the E2 visa process that might surprise people?

There’s currently no limit to the number of times an E-2 visa can be renewed, making it a flexible option for long-term business operations.

What strategies are you considering to improve the efficiency of visa processing for contractors?

I’m always trying to streamline the entire process which means anticipating challenges, and managing contractor and client expectations. This year I’ve enhanced the mobilization packet we give to new contractors with additional information to help them transition as painlessly as possible.

What are the important skills or qualities for successfully managing the E2 visa process?

Definitely effective communication – this is the core of my approach. I focus on understanding the needs and concerns of both clients and candidates by actively listening and empathizing with their situations. I aim to understand their needs and promptly address any concerns. Then I can set clear expectations regarding timelines, processes, and potential challenges so everyone is on the same page.

It’s important to have in-depth knowledge of immigration and visa processes, so I can provide the best guidance and support, and ensure compliance.

I focus on developing and managing strong relationships that facilitate successful outcomes for everyone involved.

Can you describe a typical day in your role managing the E2 visa process? 

Every day is different. I manage each stage for every E2 visa candidate. I pre-qualify candidates for my clients, explore viable visa options available, gather associated costs and initiate the process with the client, candidate, and immigration attorney. I communicate with both my client and candidate about timelines, processes, and expectations.

In addition to my E2 visa candidates, I also manage day-to-day operations for other key accounts. There’s lots of variety.

What are your main goals for the department over the next year? How will you achieve them?

My goals are to build upon existing relationships and support growth for Petroplan’s clients. Given our E2 Treaty Investor status at Petroplan, we have a great opportunity to support our client’s needs for specialized talent while also helping candidates achieve career success. Petroplan has candidate networks beyond the US, which gives our clients access to the global talent pool. It can take a diverse range of qualifications to stay competitive. 

At the end of the day, my personal goal is to offer the best support I can to Petroplan’s clients with all of their hiring needs, both locally and globally. 
 

Petroplan is pleased to announce the successful completion of its acquisition by TXM Group Ltd., a renowned international recruitment and workforce management firm.

The strategic acquisition combines Petroplan's deep industry expertise and global network with TXM Group's robust recruitment capabilities and innovative workforce solutions. The merger will create a powerhouse in the recruitment and workforce management sector, delivering unparalleled value to clients and candidates worldwide.

Christopher Honeyman Brown, CEO of Petroplan, expressed his enthusiasm for the future of the combined entity: "This is a momentous occasion for Petroplan. Joining forces with TXM Group enables us to leverage their extensive resources and cutting-edge technologies. Together, we will set new benchmarks in the energy recruitment industry, ensuring that our clients have access to the best talent and our candidates find the best opportunities."

Expressing his excitement for the group's latest acquisition, TXM Group CEO Keiron Gallimore stated: “Petroplan has a long-standing presence in the energy sector, with a strong brand and a dedicated team of professionals serving a global client base.  I am immensely excited about the opportunity this brings for both TXM and Petroplan to facilitate future growth, opportunity, and success for the teams and their customers.”

Integration and Leadership Transition

The acquisition will see Petroplan fully integrated into the TXM Group. Andrew Midgley, a current TXM Group Board Director with over 15 years of service, will assume the role of Global MD. Andrew will support the integration and lead the future direction of the Petroplan business. Commenting on the future, Andrew Midgley states:

"I’m very excited to be leading this long-established business as we integrate it into the TXM Group. Petroplan will add further strength and depth to the TXM group’s offering both geographically and by sector, whilst also introducing a number of established blue-chip customers to the Group. We’re inheriting an incredible business with an exciting and talented team of people who will add enormous value to our organisation.”

The integration process will commence immediately, with a focus on ensuring a seamless transition for clients, employees, and partners. Both companies are committed to maintaining the highest standards of service and support throughout this period. As the merger progresses, the combined expertise and resources of Petroplan and TXM Group will drive continued success and growth, and clients can expect enhanced service delivery, broader talent pools, and innovative solutions tailored to their unique needs.

For further information, please contact:

Christopher Honeyman Brown
Petroplan
Email: chb@petroplan.com

Andrew Midgley
TXM Group Ltd.
Email: andrew.midgley@txmgroup.com

Phone: +44 20 7900 5678

About Petroplan
Petroplan is a global talent solutions partner specializing in the energy industry. With over 40 years of experience, Petroplan provides exceptional recruitment and workforce solutions to clients and candidates worldwide.

About TXM Group Ltd.
TXM Group Ltd. is an international recruitment and workforce management firm dedicated to providing innovative talent solutions across various industries. Established in 2005 and headquartered in the UK, TXM Group employs over 350 professionals and operates globally with offices in the UK, EMEA, North America, and Australasia. With a commitment to excellence and a client-centric approach, TXM Group delivers top-tier services that drive success for businesses and job seekers alike.

The Petroplan team from the Houston office spent an afternoon packing food and other essentials to help feed those in need in Harris County. 

The Houston Foodbank is the largest food bank in the United States in size and distribution, and has been operating for over 40 years. The Food Bank provides programs and services aimed at helping families, serving roughly 800,000 families in an average year. The Petroplan team spent 4 hours at the Food Bank on a volunteer project.

"We were opening boxes of donated products from corporate partners, and helping sort and organize what's come in", explains Caitlin Outen, Talent Partner, "Others in the team were repacking dry food and canned goods, to be stored in the pantry before going out into the community".

"This kind of service project is great for team building as well as helping Houston families in need," adds Craig McConochie, Regional Director, US.  "The Food Bank volunteer leads get us all working together in an efficient production line, and it's great to see how much we can achieve outside the office."

"The Food Bank do a great job of making the afternoon fun, with music to keep us motivated and the energy levels high," adds Caitlin, "I'd encourage everyone to give this kind of volunteering a go".  

Petroplan has volunteered with a diverse range of organizations across the global business, fostering teamwork and making a substantive contribution to the people working so hard to support these non-profits.

During Mental Health Awareness Week, Petroplan staff helped fill a ‘Wall of Positivity’ with messages to inspire and encourage others.  

The event was organized by Petroplan’s long-term mental health charity partner, Oakleaf. 

The wall was set up in a busy public space, where anyone could contribute, encouraged by Petroplan volunteers and Oakleaf staff. 

The messages and comments aimed to encourage and inspire others – “you never know how your kind words will make a difference to someone’s day” said Dalveen Gill, Senior Business Support Consultant, one of Petroplan’s staff who volunteered. 

Some chose to write inspirational quotes and others wrote personal messages of support, with words to motivate themselves on a hard day. Messages were added to the large Wall of Positivity using biros and markers. 

Space for the event was provided by The Friary, a major retail location in Surrey, where Oakleaf were able to set out a range of activities.  

In keeping with the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week (“Moving more for our mental health”) Oakleaf set up an exercise bike challenge. Participants cycled as fast as they could for 30 seconds to see who could go the furthest. Friendly competition ensued to see who could achieve one of the top three spots with plenty of passers-by stopping to encourage the cyclists. 

Petroplan volunteers engaged with members of the public to raise awareness of Oakleaf services, which include wellbeing activities, work-related training and counselling. 

“It feels really good to give someone a smile or engage in an uplifting conversation” commented Dalveen. “A simple “have a good day” can make a difference to someone who is struggling in the moment”.

“The primary goal was to cover the wall with messages over two days and we certainly succeeded!” said Enya Galway for Oakleaf.

The Wall of Positivity had a hugely positive impact on the public.  

“I certainly heard a few stories where our kind words and presence had made a difference to someone’s day” commented Enya. “A great reminder how worthwhile and important events like these can be for people, and also how important our volunteers are. Their support makes the world of difference to our charity.”

The donations raised and awareness generated, will help enable Oakleaf to provide vital mental health and wellbeing support to hundreds of individuals in Surrey.

ABOUT OAKLEAF

Oakleaf offers a wide range of services to our clients to empower them to gain the skills, support and confidence needed to manage their mental health and achieve their goals. 
             
 

Najla Kamil, Business Support Consultant, Muscat, Oman, and Krishna Joshi, Talent Partner, EMEA & APAC, London, UK are two of the three winners of the latest Good Egg Awards.

Petroplan’s Good Egg Awards were established as an internal award that recognizes the dedication and commitment of the operational support teams located around the world.

Each quarter, everyone in the company is invited to nominate any of the operational support team, based in locations around the world.

Respondents are invited to provide reasons why the person they are nominating is worthy of one of three awards.  The comments and feedback provided through the nominations cover a wide range of operational aspects, from speed of response to attention to detail to effective problem-solving. Softer skills such as communication and attitude are often mentioned too. 

The survey responses are analysed by the HR team in Guildford. 

“Reading through all the data is one of my favourite tasks’ “says Claire Salter, HR Director. “We get so many positive comments - it’s great to see how our people are appreciated internally”.

Asking staff to think specifically about their colleagues in operations helps deepen understanding of their responsibilities. 

“Petroplan operations provide all kinds of essential services worldwide, ensuring that business processes are conducted accurately and in a timely manner” explains Brittany Hannah, Global Head of Compliance & Risk, “From managing payroll, tracking safety, organizing international visas to hiring for internal positions and everything inbetween, the business couldn’t run without them.”

The latest winners of the Good Egg Awards for 2024 are: 

• Chanelia Kidd, Senior Business Support Consultant, Houston, TX (not pictured)
• Najla Kamil, Business Support Consultant, Muscat, Oman (pictured above left) 
• Krishna Joshi, Talent Partner, EMEA & APAC, London, UK (pictured above right)

"I was truly humbled and grateful to be the recipient of the award. The nomination from my colleagues and coworkers meant a great deal to me" says Najla Kamil, "It truly exemplifies the exceptional teamwork and collaboration we have cultivated within our workplace in Oman."

 "It's always great to be recognized for the effort you put in," Krishna Joshi explains, "Petroplan does a great job of making me feel valued in my role."

Christopher Honeyman Brown, CEO of Petroplan, commented: “Our winners received great comments about their positive attitude, hard work, attention to detail and how much they care.  Congratulations to Chanelia, Najla and Krish, and to everyone else who received a nomination, for your continued support and commitment to Petroplan and to your colleagues.”

With over 20 years of experience in energy sector recruitment, there is much to learn from Atish Mehta. As Country Manager for Petroplan, he moved internationally from London to Oman this year, focusing on expanding business in the Middle East. We caught up with him to hear about his path to this moment, his ambitions for Petroplan, and the advice he wishes he’d had starting out.

Atish, how did you get to where you are now?

After graduating from university, I worked in sales in London and fell naturally into energy recruitment. I gained experience with Candidate recruitment, Account Management, Business Development, finally leading to managing the London office. With my team, I was looking after major operators and significant headcounts for mega-projects worldwide. After that, I took a role on the client side with a major Italian Energy Company. That was a great move, and I understood the details of the process and some of the pressures that hiring managers are under. It’s given me a much better appreciation of my clients' operations. 

I missed the agency life, so when I was approached for the Petroplan Country Manager role in Oman, it was the perfect opportunity to realise several of my ambitions.

Of course, I knew of Petroplan and many of the people here from my years in the recruitment industry, whom I respect. Then came along the opportunity to work and live overseas in Oman, and I couldn’t let this opportunity go as it has always been one of my dreams. Having never been to Oman, I have heard nothing but the most amazing things about the country, especially the amazing culture and people. Joining the team as a Country Manager, I am excited to grow the business here, share my knowledge, and mentor my team. I am truly excited about that. 

What do you miss about London? 

I have always loved London and believe it is one of the best cities in the world. However, I am excited about being welcomed by the sunshine in Oman; I am a sun-chaser at heart. London will always be my home, as all of my family is there. As you can imagine, I miss them dearly, but I am sure they will come and visit regularly.

I have travelled a lot while growing up, and I appreciate the cultures I’ve experienced worldwide, such as India, New Zealand, Singapore, and Thailand, to name a few. I am excited to make a life in Oman and experience the culture this country has on offer. Of course, I haven’t spent a summer here yet, and I know the heat will be intense, but I am even looking forward to experiencing that.

What have the first couple of months in Oman been like? 

It has been amazing so far, including lots of travel, exposure to the market, meeting new people, attending conferences, understanding who is out here, and learning about the market and opportunities. The biggest plus point has been getting to know my team. I have learnt so much from them already, and I know that we will continue to drive business in Petroplan as a team. 

As you can imagine, the culture is very different here than in London, but it has been amazing so far. From the history to the food, Oman is culturally so rich. I am going to start Arabic lessons as well to start learning something new and trying to fit in and communicate with locals. My wife was wrapping things up in London until recently; she has just come out, so we are excited to start exploring more of Oman.

What are you excited about for Oman?

Firstly, I’ve got a great team with so much potential. I have great support from my Petroplan peers around the world, and I’m excited to grow the business here and bring value to Petroplan. Then there’s the way the energy industry is developing here; there’s a lot of business to win, and it’s exciting. There is increasing investment in clean energy although traditional energy sources are expected to remain predominant for years to come.

Who inspires you?

The two people who inspired me were both work colleagues from previous companies. The first has incredible business knowledge, but I really admired the way he did business and built relationships, which is so important in this industry. My other mentor really informed my business acumen. When it came to making decisions, he managed them so well, even when the decisions were tough ones. I have learnt a lot from him.

What advice would you give your younger self? 

#1, Save more! It’ll make the future easier.
#2, Listen to your parents, and work hard during your key educational years!
#3, Take more risks.

I could have worked abroad sooner, and part of me wishes I had made a move before.  However, doing it later in life is also good - I have more experience and maturity and am very determined to succeed. 

How do you wind down and relax from work? 

If I can find time, I love going to play golf, heading outdoors. The weather here is lovely right now, so we’ve been going for walks after a meal, exploring what’s around, and getting to know the area.  I’m also finding myself drawn back to books and thought-provoking podcasts.

There is so much to explore in Oman, and we haven’t even been out of Muscat yet, so I am truly excited to build on those adventures.

Learn how Petroplan can help your business recruit the best people in the Middle East. Contact Atish to learn more about Petroplan's expertise.