Bristol’s small and medium-sized manufacturers were today urged to take advantage of a new scheme which could help them win contracts from the UK’s rapidly-developing £60bn civil nuclear new build programme.
The link-up between the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) and the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) will allow these firms to measure their capabilities against industry standards, helping them bridge gaps to meet requirements in the supply chain. 
The announcement comes a week after the European Commission’s decision to give final approval for the construction of the £24.5bn Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset.
Backing for the MAS and the Nuclear AMRC Fit For Nuclear (F4N) programme has already come from EDF Energy, the French energy giant behind Hinkley C, along with Areva, the French multinational group specialising in nuclear and renewable energy.
In total, more than 300 small manufacturers across the country are set to benefit from specialist support provided by the scheme, which will offer a business improvement journey to identify strategy, implement new processes, secure necessary accreditations and provide supplier matching opportunities.
It also offers participating firms the chance to apply for match funding for business improvement or research and development projects.
MAS nuclear advisor in the South West, John Ruddleston, pictured, said: “There is great potential for advanced manufacturing SMEs in the region to build business in the civil nuclear sector. Following approval for Hinkley Point C, we can expect these opportunities to increase in new build, as well as in decommissioning and existing station maintenance. 
“We recognise that manufacturers need help to understand the nature of the opportunities that are opening and to prepare them. Working side-by side with the Nuclear AMRC and the Hinkley Supply Chain Team – managed by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce – we are widening access to F4N and ensuring more SME manufacturers receive expert on-the-ground support and funding to take advantage of this multi-billion pound market.”
So far around 150 companies have completed the online F4N assessment, with the majority receiving on-going support and development from the Nuclear AMRC team.
The scheme has been extended to another 300 firms by bringing in funding from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund Sharing in Growth programme, with the focus on engaging the wider manufacturing supply chain including control and instrumentation, electrical and other sub-contractors.
F4N participants can also take advantage of the Nuclear AMRC’s Nuclear Connections initiative, which helps link manufacturers to specific supply opportunities from the industry’s top tiers. This is based on a detailed understanding of the production capabilities of individual companies and matching these to current and upcoming tenders, including the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s estate.
Nuclear AMRC supply chain consultant Martin Ride said: “At little or no cost to the participating company, F4N can deliver real business value regardless of your current nuclear sector knowledge or experience.
“This is one of the easiest and most straightforward sector-based programmes to access, participate in, and get incredible value from, and which can lead to increased opportunities,” he added.
Fit For Nuclear starts with a capability questionnaire and online assessment, which will then be followed by a site visit from a dedicated F4N Advisor. They will start developing an action plan that will be verified by industry experts before a nuclear specialist is appointed to deliver the objectives and ensure the SME is in the best position to win work. Any English SME can apply for match funding, subject to reaching the required stage in the Fit For Nuclear journey, with the average grant expected to be around £10,000.
John Ruddleston added: “The first new nuclear plant is likely to come online in the 2020s, but orders for the bulk of plant and services are expected to start developing from next year. Now is the time for manufacturers to act.”
For further information, visit namrc.co.uk/services/f4n or contact MAS on 0845 968 6000.
