An Unexpected Energy Hub
Epsom and Ewell is better known for horse racing and leafy suburbs than for heavy industry, yet the surrounding area has deep connections with the oil and gas sector. The engineering consultancy Atkins was headquartered in Epsom for decades, and nearby Leatherhead hosts the UK headquarters of ExxonMobil and major engineering contractors. Surrey even has its own small onshore oil fields in the Weald Basin to the south. Together these create a cluster of high-skilled jobs in engineering, project management, commercial and technical roles, many of which are filled by Epsom and Ewell residents.
The industry is undergoing profound change. Companies are investing in lower-carbon fuels, carbon capture, hydrogen and renewable power while continuing to supply the oil and gas that the economy still relies on. The ten companies below are among the most significant oil and gas businesses linked to the area or serving its residents and businesses.
How We Chose These Companies
We considered local presence or relevance, scale, technical capability, contribution to employment, investment in the energy transition and overall industry reputation.
The Top 10 Oil and Gas Companies
1. ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil's UK headquarters in Leatherhead, just a short drive from Epsom, is a major regional employer. Through its Esso brand, the company supplies fuel to service stations across the country, and its Fawley refinery in Hampshire is one of the largest in Britain. It is also investing in carbon capture and lower-emission fuels.
2. AtkinsRéalis
Atkins, now part of AtkinsRéalis, has a long history in Epsom and is one of the best-known engineering consultancies in the world. Its energy teams have supported oil and gas projects for decades and now work extensively on decarbonisation, nuclear and renewable infrastructure.
3. KBR
KBR has a significant presence in Leatherhead and provides engineering, technology and consulting services to the energy sector. Its expertise spans gas processing, refining, hydrogen and ammonia, and it is increasingly focused on sustainable technology solutions.
4. BP
BP is one of the world's largest integrated energy companies, with headquarters in London. Its fuel stations and electric vehicle charging network serve drivers across Surrey, and it continues to develop oil and gas assets alongside investments in lower-carbon energy.
5. Shell
Shell is a global energy company with a substantial UK presence. It supplies fuels and lubricants, operates a large network of service stations and is investing in electric vehicle charging, biofuels and low-carbon solutions for businesses.
6. Harbour Energy
Harbour Energy is one of the largest independent oil and gas producers on the UK Continental Shelf. It plays an important role in domestic energy security and is involved in carbon capture and storage projects in the North Sea.
7. Centrica
Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, has long been involved in gas production, storage and trading. It supplies energy to millions of UK homes, including many in Epsom and Ewell, and is investing in hydrogen-ready infrastructure and flexible generation.
8. TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies is a multinational energy company with oil and gas operations in the North Sea, a UK fuel network and growing investments in renewable power, including offshore wind.
9. UK Oil and Gas
UK Oil and Gas has been involved in onshore exploration in the Weald Basin, including the Horse Hill site in Surrey. Its activities highlight the small but notable onshore hydrocarbon resources that exist in the South East.
10. Angus Energy
Angus Energy has operated onshore oil and gas assets in southern England, including sites in Surrey. As a smaller independent, it illustrates the role that onshore operators have played in the regional energy landscape.
The Local Economic Impact
The concentration of energy and engineering companies around Epsom and Leatherhead supports thousands of skilled jobs and a wide supply chain of consultancies, recruitment firms, IT providers and professional services. Many local graduates and experienced engineers build careers in the sector, and the presence of large employers sustains demand for housing, hospitality and business services across the borough.
The Energy Transition
Oil and gas companies are under pressure to reduce emissions and diversify. Carbon capture and storage, hydrogen production, biofuels, electric vehicle charging and offshore wind are all areas of investment. Engineering consultancies with roots in the area are particularly well placed, as the skills developed in oil and gas, such as large-scale project delivery and process engineering, transfer directly to low-carbon projects.
Careers and Opportunities
For Epsom and Ewell residents, the sector offers careers in engineering, project management, data science, environmental consultancy, commercial roles and health and safety. Graduate schemes and apprenticeships provide routes in for young people, while experienced professionals increasingly move between traditional energy and renewable projects.
Final Thoughts
The oil and gas sector has a surprisingly strong footprint around Epsom and Ewell. As the industry evolves towards cleaner energy, the companies above will continue to shape local employment and contribute to the UK's energy security and transition.
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