Commercial Solicitor Danielle Thomas has been helping SGN adapt to new regulations and restrictions during the coronavirus crisis.
My background
Training to become a legal practitioner was a long process. Once I’d completed my university and law school studies, I opted to take some time out to travel in Asia, enabling me to learn several additional skills as I had to adapt to a totally different environment. These experiences and skills have remained with me as my career has developed.
Following an in-house solicitor role for a petroleum financing company, where I worked on corporate restructuring and securitisation financing projects across its European offices, I joined SGN around two years ago to support the commercial interests and investments of the business. We provide strategic advice, offer contract support and assist in negotiations with external parties on key legal agreements.
Driving key strategies at the heart of our vision
Through my role, relationships and workstreams across the business, I’ve had the opportunity to support and lead on key initiatives right at the heart of SGN’s vision.
For example, I provide key legal support to our Innovation and Energy Futures teams in feasibility and research studies in identifying ways to decarbonise our gas network for a greener tomorrow. I’m currently supporting our H100 Fife project, which is developing a world-first hydrogen-to-homes heating network powered by renewable energy.
Adapting through the pandemic to maintain business relationships
You really want to help the business at this time of crisis. It really struck me just how keen and driven my team is when I joined SGN and the impact of coronavirus has reinforced this feeling.
We’ve worked hard to assist teams with new processes and strategic decisions, helping our key teams overcome the challenges of adapting to new regulations and restrictions put in place.
We’ve been brought closer to the operational side of the business in recent months as teams faced hurdles in attending gas emergencies amid the lockdown restrictions. In collaboration with our partner gas distribution network companies, I helped to negotiate the appropriate legal protections for SGN to establish a mutual aid agreement ensuring emergency support and resources were managed in London.
On a personal level, it’s fantastic to feel the support of your team members who really do care about you and want to ensure you’re ok and the conversations continue during these unprecedented times. The wellbeing of team members has always been a priority and we focus on establishing initiatives that are motivational and morale-boosting.