Last updated at 13:59, Tuesday, 13 March 2012

TWO Centrica employees are set to mark 25 years at the company with a move to Barrow.

QUARTER CENTURY: Mike Cole, health, safety, environment and quality advisor at Centrica, celebrates reaching a 25-year milestone with the company. George Carrick Photography

Mike Cole and Ros Haworth joined Centrica shortly after gas production started at the East Irish Sea’s gas fields in 1985 and the pair now work in the company’s upstream business.

Both are set to move from Heysham to Barrow to work from the gas terminals following the completion of the new Rhyl gas field, which will be operated from the terminals at Rampside. The Rhyl project will not only boost production rates in the East Irish Sea but also extend the life of the North Morecambe field.

During their 25 years with Centrica, the pair said they have experienced the vast opportunities the energy sector offers and have both been able to progress their career within the company.

Mr Cole, now a health, safety, environment and quality (HSEQ) advisor, said: “It’s impossible to get bored here because there’s always something new to get your teeth into. I’ve been able to develop new skills and progress my career all within the same company – that’s pretty unusual these days.

“The way the company is focused on growth, both here in the North West, across the UK and internationally means the world really is your oyster.

“If you want to get out there and get the experience you can. So even though I’ve been here for 25 years, I know there’s still plenty more for me to do. There’s a clear message that if you want to progress, the company will help you.”

Now in its 27th year of production, Centrica Energy’s gas fields in the East Irish Sea continue to provide a significant portion of the UK’s gas supply and are among the largest in the UK. Centrica employs around 400 people at its sites in Barrow, Heysham and offshore.

Mike Astell, Centrica Energy’s regional director, added: “What’s so great about Mike and Ros celebrating 25 years with us is the two very different career paths that they’ve been able to take – it really illustrates the breadth of opportunities that the energy industry offers.

“It’s fantastic that they’ve chosen to continue working with the company for so many years and I wish them all the very best for the years to come.”

First published at 13:10, Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk