NOF Energy has honoured one of its longest serving members with a special presentation at the organisation’s annual dinner.

Barrier Group Chairman, Robert Bowles, was presented with an award in recognition of his service to NOF Energy and the UK energy sector supply chain.

Mr Bowles has been heavily involved with the organisation for more than 25 years though its incarnations as the Northern Offshore Federation, NOF and, since 2007, NOF Energy.

Alongside building up his own business, which now employs in the region of 500, mainly in the North-East, he has been a board member at NOF Energy for eight years and held positions including head of the audit committee and treasurer.

He played a key part in supporting the organisation’s transition into its current format, which included helping NOF Energy become completely financially self-sufficient after public funding was removed as a result of the demise of Regional Development Agency, One North East.

The presentation was made at NOF Energy’s Annual Dinner, which was held at Hardwick Hall in County Durham. More than 400 NOF Energy members and their guests were in attendance at the dinner, which is one of the energy industry’s premier networking events.

Mr Bowles said: “I was overwhelmed to receive this honour. I am very proud to have been recognised by my peers and an organisation that means so much to me and my business. NOF Energy has been integral to the success of Barrier Group.

"The contacts it has helped us establish and the support it has provided have been invaluable. I am extremely delighted to be so closely involved with an organisation, which is so successful in supporting its members and their business development ambitions."

George Rafferty, chief executive of NOF Energy, said: "The success Robert has achieved in business with Barrier Group and the level of respect in which he is held by the energy sector supply chain is outstanding. He is always happy to offer advice to other members and his positive attitude is very infectious."