DOUG Marr "(Inside Track: North Sea oil industry must be leaner and fitter", The Herald, January 27) makes a salient point.

The North Sea oil industry must be leaner and learn to operate in an era of low oil prices. While the hope and expectation is that oil prices will rise again, there is a lot to like about a low price per barrel, from cheaper petrol to lower energy costs.

The industry would do well to seize upon recent events as a trigger for change and reset structural operating costs at a sustainable level for the years ahead. As Mr Marr said, examples of greater efficiency exist within the industry and there is much to be learned from other sectors.

North Sea oil companies could be collaborating with their supply chain partners, not cutting them off; and they should be maximising the talents of the existing workforce by cross-skilling to motivate, build loyalty and develop expertise.

The collapse of the oil price is a moment to think afresh, not spread alarm.

Luca Corradi,

Accenture, 214 Union Street, Aberdeen.