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Shell in the UK - At a glance
From the oil well to the petrol pump, from the depths of the North Sea to warm homes around the UK, Shell delivers the energy that Britain needs.
Shell makes a major contribution to the UK, not just through providing products and services to our customers, but also through employment, tax revenues and investment which boost the economy. We employ around 8,600 people directly in the UK.
Shell is a key provider of the energy that millions of people use for heating and powering the UK.
Our Upstream business has been a leading player in the North Sea for over 30 years. In the UK sector of the North Sea, Shell has interests in more than 50 fields, operates more than 30 platform installations, 30 subsea installations, one FPSO vessel, three onshore gas plants and a marine terminal. Shell produces almost 15% of UK oil and gas on behalf of Shell and its co-venturers.
Our Downstream business has about 900 Shell-branded service stations serving half a million customers each day and operates the second-largest refinery in the UK which produces a wide range of products including premium fuels, such as Shell V-Power, and chemicals for industry.
Shell Centre, on the south bank of the Thames in London, is the global headquarters for Shell's Downstream business and supporting functions. Shell Trading and Shipping, a global network of trading and shipping companies, are also based in London.
Shell Technology Centre Thornton, based in Chester, has a large community of scientists involved in a wide range of research projects, including technologies associated with fuels, lubricants, additives, engineering and the environment.
Shell businesses in the UK are part of The Shell Group, a global group of energy and petrochemical companies, operating in more than 90 countries and employing approximately 101,000 people.

