Entrepreneurs Visa helps Oil & Gas specialists expand internationally

The Entrepreneurs Visa gave Canyon Oil & Gas the means to grow their company internationally by setting up in the UK

Energy specialist Philip Thompson successfully applied for an Entrepreneur visa under Tier 1 of the Points-Based System to set up an oil and gas company in London.

Canyon Oil & Gas, which will conduct oil and gas production, near-term development and unconventional exploration, was registered in the UK earlier this year after Thompson secured a Tier 1 visa. Initially employing three people and focusing on markets in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, the company aims to expand once it acquires assets.

Thompson also initially considered the Netherlands and Switzerland as potential locations for his new business, before opting for the UK capital.

Commenting on his decision, he says: "London is a leading European oil and gas centre, Europe’s financial capital and the most important market in the world for start-up oil and gas companies. In addition, there are more technical, corporate and financial talent, contractors and competitors in London for my business than any other city in Europe, and the airports are world class, which is important for an international operation."

Thompson found the process of applying for an Entrepreneur visa with the UK Border Agency a straightforward one.

"The application process went smoothly," he recalls. "I am very impressed with the Tier 1 visa, as well as the UK’s business culture and work ethic. I now intend to grow the company and could list it on London’s AIM market. The London office will be the home office for our international operations and be the base for our executive directors and management. Eventually, as our global expansion gathers pace, many of our employees will be based overseas."

Global Entrepreneur Programme – opening doors

Essentially a business accelerator, UKTI's Global Entrepreneur Programme (GEP) creates high profit sustainable global companies from pioneering start-ups, using the UK as a strategic headquarters and base for international expansion.

The programme connects entrepreneurs with investors, management talent and strategic partners in the UK to turn their innovation into a global success. GEP is unique in that it combines commercial flair and acumen with the ability to open doors that only a Government department can offer.

More on the Global Entrepreneur Programme