Energy companies from across East Anglia are being urged to join forces to help the region achieve maximum impact in chasing business at the Offshore Europe Exhibition in Aberdeen next year.

Up to 20 companies are being sought to join a shared stand which will also celebrate the fact that 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft’s involvement in the offshore gas sector.

The continuing opportunities presented by the Southern North Sea gas industry over the coming decades will also be a prime focus of the stand at the biennial exhibition, which last time attracted 63,000 delegates from 100 countries and next takes place from September 8 to 11, 2015,

“Bringing together businesses from across our region gives us a higher profile at one of the world’s leading exhibitions for the sector,” said James Gray, inward investment director for the East of England Energy Zone (EEEZ).

“Our ‘community’ stand ? organised by the East of England Energy Group, Great Yarmouth Borough Council and Waveney District Council ? will be in the prestigious red zone of the exhibition centre, close to many of the key offshore operators and major oil and gas companies.

“By joining forces we can create a much more prominent, eye-catching presence with lots of buzz and bustle and a one-off calling point for people interested in our area.

“This will be a great opportunity for local companies to have a presence in a prominent location at one of the most important events in the sector’s calendar,” he added.

A range of supply chain companies are expected to join the stand which will highlight the depth and extent of offshore energy skills and the logistical advantages which the region has developed since North Sea gas was first discovered off the coast of East Anglia in September 1965.

TMS Media, which has been chosen to project manage the stand for the fourth time in the last five exhibitions, is hosting a preview meeting in Great Yarmouth on October 2 to outline plans for the stand and take bookings.