The Offshore West Africa Conference and Exhibition (OWA) has signed a strategic partnership with the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), to increase the presence of British firms in the region’s oil and gas market.

The partnership, according to OWA, would hold strategic stake at the upcoming 20th anniversary edition taking place on 26‐28 January 2016 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos, Nigeria.

With this development, OWA, which is owned and operated by PennWell Corporation, has formalised a long‐standing working relationship with the UKTI over many years into a formal strategic partnership.

This partnership, according to a statement from OWA, would allow both parties to work closer together to ensure the success of the event and inclusion of greater expansion of British companies looking to begin or to advance ongoing operations within the West African region.

The Offshore West Africa 2015 event, which also took place in Lagos, attracted a record breaking international audience of almost 2,400 leading oil and gas industry professionals from more than 30 countries worldwide. The 2016 event is on track to improve on these numbers, bringing together a vast audience of industry thought leaders, young professionals and field experts in one place.

UKTI staff provides expert international trade advice and practical support to UK‐based companies who wish to grow their business overseas.

UKTI works with UK based businesses to ensure their success in international markets through exports, and encourage and support overseas companies to look at the UK as the best place to set up or expand their business.

Commenting on the development, Event Director for Offshore West Africa, Glenn Ensor, said: “We are delighted to announce this partnership with the UK Trade & Investment team, who have over the years provided PennWell with great expertise and professionalism across many regions”.