The Association of British Independent Oil Exploration Companies seeks to promote the role played by British independent exploration and production (E&P) companies in maintaining a powerful and effective UK based oil and gas industry. By increasing awareness of the independents' achievements in developing oil and gas reserves on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), and increasingly elsewhere in the world, we aim to demonstrate our vital contribution to both the industry and the local economy. Britain remains the only European country in which a substantial, independent E&P sector has been established.

Founded at the beginning of North Sea development in 1974, BRINDEX members now collectively hold interests in some 242 offshore and 45 onshore licences. These include interests in 50 producing oil fields and 31 producing gas fields as well as 9 oil and gas fields currently under development. Aggregate proven and probable UKCS reserves attributable to members at the end of 2006 amounted to 294 million barrels of oil and 1.4 trillion cubic feet of gas.

BRINDEX members have long been engaged in oil and gas activities overseas. Developments in the North Sea in recent years have added a wealth of modern technological know-how and expertise to the skill base of member companies who are increasingly using this knowledge to expand internationally. Currently, BRINDEX members are active in 38 countries worldwide.

The combined stock market capitalisation of quoted BRINDEX members stands at some £13.9 billion (US$28.3 billion). Worldwide proven plus probable reserves held by BRINDEX members at the end of 2006 were 955 million barrels of oil and 2.6 trillion cubic feet of gas.