J+S Subsea - J+S Subsea

J+S emerged in 2020 from a management buy-out of the Subsea Engineering Division of Systems Engineering and Assessment Limited, a Cohort Group business.

The team at J+S have provided subsea engineering solutions to the Oil & gas and Renewables Energy sectors for over 20 years. Most recently as a stand-alone division within SEA and previously as part of J+S Limited and J+S Marine Limited.

This is an exciting new chapter in J+S history, with plans for a new and larger facility more suited to our current operational needs and with room for expansion. We look forward to continuing to provide and expand on our cost-effective solutions for our clients in the Offshore Energy Industries.

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Phil Reid Managing Director >>

Phil has worked in the oil and gas industry for over 25 years. He started his career with Kvaerner FSSL progressing through a variety of roles in subsea engineering, from manufacturing to leading some of their most complex projects all over the world. He worked with the original J+S for a period before moving on to Genesis Oil and Gas as a Subsea Controls Engineering consultant; during that period, he was seconded to Centrica Energy (now Spirit Energy) which led to a permanent role as Lead Subsea Controls & Umbilical Engineer for Developments, Capital Projects and Operated Assets. For almost a decade Phil successfully delivered Capital Projects from concept right through to project close out whilst also looking after the running of their subsea assets.

As part of J&S Subsea limited, Phil will oversee the day-to-day operations and grow the business both in the UK and globally.

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James Morris – Engineering Director

James’s career started when he joined the Royal Navy from school as an Artificer Apprentice. After a 5-year Marine Engineering Apprenticeship he served in surface ships HMS Glamorgan, HMS Edinburgh, and HMS Glasgow and at Rosyth as part of an engineering support team.

Moving into the Oil & Gas Industry in 1992, over the next 26 years he gained a wealth of experience within large and small companies on operation, design and project management of subsea control systems and equipment. This period started with several years as a Project Engineer for a family run hydraulic services company Grampian Hydraulics followed by 5 years as a Support Engineer at Kvaerner Oilfield Products. James joined RRC Controls Services ltd in 2001 before finally moving to J+S Ltd in 2010. At J+S his dedication and technical capabilities were rewarded with several promotions until becoming a member of the management buyout team.

He has designed an extensive array of subsea equipment from basic cable penetrators to complete subsea control modules.

James thrives on providing solutions for client’s problems.

As Engineering Director, James will ensure that the company provides clients with timely, cost effective and technically sound solutions and services.

Simon Smith – Business Development Director

Simon has worked in the oil and gas sector for over 20 years. He started his career as a planning co-ordinator for offshore development systems and has since been involved in both surface and subsea operation management both locally and overseas with Wood Group, Plexus Ocean Systems and Cameron’s before joining J+S Ltd in 2012 as a Senior Account Engineer. J+S Ltd then became part of SEA Ltd and the Cohort Group where Simon was promoted to Business Development Manager in 2019 before taking part in the management buyout of the Aberdeen based subsea division of SEA to form J&S Subsea Limited.

Simon initially studied Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Edinburgh University and later Engineering Design at The Robert Gordon University and recently became a Certified Project Management Associate through APM. Simon has experience with on and offshore support along with efficiency and safety control and has utilised this to deliver large scale projects for international clients in the energy industries.

As part of J&S Subsea limited, Simon plans to help grow the Subsea Energy business both in the UK and globally while championing a circular economy focus to help provide a better future.

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Matthew Blair – Executive Chairman

Matt Blair is Chairman of J+S Subsea which was formed in October 2020 through a management buyout of the Subsea Engineering Division of Systems Engineering and Assessment Ltd.

With J+S Subsea and SEA for over 14 years, Matt has a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise. Matt works closely with Oil company subsea engineering and production controls departments, supporting their subsea operational assets.

Previously an Electronics Engineer with Ferranti Computer Systems Ltd specializing in sonar and command systems, Matt moved into hydrographic survey working with Subsea7, Tritech, and CDL before joining J+S Subsea.

He is Vice Chair of the Decom Leadership Group of Decom North Sea and in that role has facilitated industry and academic studies on potential for reuse and repurposing of decommissioned equipment.

Matt is seeking further opportunities to update and transfer Oil and Gas technologies and products into the Marine Renewables markets and help to develop the broader circular economy.