After successfully completing 100 years of business, BP is looking to build on its successes in the future.

Speaking at the firm's annual general meeting yesterday, group chief executive Tony Hayward said that BP has always operated at the frontiers of the industry and is looking to continue in this manner in the future.

But there are risks involved in working in such an environment, Mr Hayward said, adding that the firm has once again suffered tragedy this month, when a helicopter transporting personnel crashed in the North Sea.

An initial report into the incident suggests that a gearbox failure led to the accident.

Safety cannot be taken for granted, he said. The firm now, however, is in a position to be able to take opportunities and build on recent successes.

"The ingenuity of our people has led to our success - and that gives me great confidence with which to face the future," Mr Hayward said.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development