“ You have to consider which supplier is right for which project . Some may have more strengths on the marine side . Others may have more strengths on the project management , permitting and optical side ”
SUBSEA NETWORKS
Is time more important than money when it comes to customers ? The tender process Thomas says that , in reality , time and money are likely to be equally important , and moreover are often one-and-thesame thing . “ But what are the main drivers for your customers ?” she asks , before explaining that the “ best way to get a good understanding of how to design and construct any new system is to run a tender process .” These can be time-consuming and involved , and so Thomas says it ’ s often a good idea to engage someone who has a deep and broad subsea knowledge if your company doesn ’ t have that skill set in-house .
Experts can help customers to run tender processes and evaluate the available suppliers both fairly and equally , so that the customer can move forwards into the next stage of contract negotiation , Thomas explains .
The SubOptic Diversity , Inclusion and Belonging working group and its aim to promote culture and ethnic equality in the subsea industry Thomas is a member of SubOptic ’ s Diversity , Inclusion and Belonging working group and helped to start their mentoring programme , a subject which she feels passionately about . Our goal is to foster innovation and attract diverse talent into the submarine cable industry ; we aim to promote cultural and ethnic equality , respect and value differences .
“ I ’ ve had mentors throughout my career , and I think it ’ s really valuable for development and confidence . It ’ s a two-way street : both mentors and mentees learn and benefit from each other ,” Thomas said .
“ You have to consider which supplier is right for which project . Some may have more strengths on the marine side . Others may have more strengths on the project management , permitting and optical side ”
LYNSEY THOMAS DIRECTOR , SUBSEA NETWORKS
258 March 2022