Oil & Gas UK (OGUK) chief executive Malcolm Webb admits part of him dislikes the prospect of retiring as the UK North Sea industry struggles to secure its future, but he is certain now is the right time to hand over the reins.

“It has been a great job but 11 and a bit years, frankly, is bordering on a bit too long for a chief executive,” says the 65-year-old, whose leadership has transformed the trade association he joined in 2004 when it was the UK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA).

Webb’s