In this episode. Our host, Stuart Broadley, is joined by Hugh Fraser, Managing Partner of HFI (Hugh Fraser International), for a conversation about international business development, energy market opportunities and the importance of adapting to changing markets. Drawing on nearly three decades of professional experience together, Stuart and Hugh revisit their time at Wood Group and the early joint ventures that helped shape Stuart’s career, before exploring the evolution of Hugh’s legal advisory business and its expansion across the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean.The discussion examines why Cyprus has become a strategic base for HFI’s latest expansion, and the opportunities emerging across the Eastern Mediterranean, from deepwater gas and power infrastructure to subsea cabling and floating offshore wind. Hugh explains how the region complements the company’s established Gulf operations, why changing energy security priorities are creating new opportunities for markets such as Egypt and Libya, and how businesses can navigate the legal, commercial and operational challenges of entering unfamiliar territories. They also reflect on continued investment in the Gulf despite regional conflict, the importance of diversification, and the growing connections between the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.At the heart of the conversation is what it takes to build and sustain a successful international business in uncertain conditions. Hugh shares lessons from setting up and scaling ventures, the value of trusted relationships and local expertise, and why a practical, solutions-oriented approach is essential when advising clients. He also reflects on the importance of resilience, staying focused on delivering value, and recognising when a business needs to adapt in order to thrive. What Is the EIC? The Energy Industries Council (EIC) is one of the world’s largest energy trade associations. As a not-for-profit organisation, it supports more than 950 member companies involved in the global energy value chain. EIC operates internationally, with offices in London, Kuala Lumpur, Rio de Janeiro, Houston, Dubai, and soon, Berlin. It is energy agnostic, supporting all parts of the energy sector. From mature renewable onshore and offshore sectors like wind, solar and hydropower; to grid infrastructure and large nuclear; to hydrocarbon sectors like oil & gas, LNG, FPSO, decommissioning, upstream, midstream and downstream; to emerging low-carbon sectors like hydrogen, carbon capture, CCUS, energy storage, BESS, biofuels, SAF (sustainable aviation fuels), and geothermal. EIC provides a wide range of services, including access to global market intelligence, CAPEX and OPEX project data, consulting support, events, business development opportunities, and advocacy. It also facilitates connections with key decision-makers and policymakers in the energy sector worldwide. Stay Connected with EIC Learn more about the EICExplore EIC membership Learn more about the Five Golden Rules for a Healthy Energy Supply ChainLearn about EIC ConsultRead the full Survive & Thrive Report Contact Stuart Broadley about doing your own C-level EIC podcast at Stuart.Broadley@the-eic.com Produced, engineered, and promoted by: Samara Bernardo, Lucas Almeida, João Otero, Isabella Costa, Laura Carvalho, and Clara Machado.
