Teesside manufacturers are being urged to tap into a £1.5m fund set up to help them break into the UK’s fast-growing civil nuclear sector.
Grants of around £10,000 are on offer from Fit for Nuclear (F4N) for firms competing for work - and experts say firms already working in sectors from aerospace and automotive to electronics, marine and general fabrication can diversify.
It’s estimated that more than 5,000 SMEs are needed to ensure the UK has enough capacity to meet its civil new build programme.
Around 16 gigawatts of nuclear power production is in the pipeline by 2030, with an investment price tag of £60bn; meanwhile multi-billion pound decommissioning contracts are already underway.
The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) recently joined forces with the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) to roll-out F4N, which lets companies measure themselves against industry standards and bridge any gaps to meet requirements.
Companies can apply for the funding to support R&D projects, “optimise production” or develop new processes or products. They can also access the Nuclear AMRC’s world-leading workshop capabilities in welding, metrology and design support.
All projects must be completed by March 31, 2016, with firms urged to apply as soon as possible to secure a share of the funding.
Mike Tynan, chief executive of the Nuclear AMRC, said: “Smaller manufacturers have a vital role to play in civil nuclear, if they can meet the standards demanded by the industry’s top tier.
“To win work, Teesside companies need to make sure they have the ability to meet safety, quality and cost standards, and can demonstrate that their specialist capabilities can deliver value to clients.
“We created F4N to help manufacturers close any gaps in performance, and this new funding will provide vital support for anyone taking the next steps and getting ready to compete for nuclear opportunities.”
The funding call will allow management teams to drive business improvements in areas, such as improved manufacturing processes, factory layout, bid writing, training plans and strategy.
Steven Barr, head of MAS, said: “Almost 200 businesses have already embarked on F4N, and more than 75% have recorded immediate tangible bottom-line benefits.
“This is just the start and the current funding call will look to accelerate the number of companies getting involved. Nuclear is seen as a difficult sector to break into. Yes requirements are different, but it’s not as problematic as some people make out.
“We’ve successfully worked with manufacturers involved in aerospace, automotive, electronics, marine and general fabrication, taking their core expertise and making them applicable to nuclear.”
But Teesside firms must focus more on quality, health and safety if they’re to succeed - with speed and cost playing ‘second fiddle’ to exacting standards and a world class H&S record according to F4N assessor John Ransford.
He is currently helping companies across England stake their claim for work, ranging from fabrication and maintenance to precision components and technical design.
A “completely different” mindset is needed by management teams looking to enter the industry for the first time, he claims.
“For a long time manufacturers have had it drummed into them that they need to deliver quicker and take cost out of the equation.
“Nuclear is very different. There is more of a partnership approach to working with suppliers. In addition, firms will have to demonstrate the right culture and behaviour.”
F4N is backed by top tier partners including Areva and EDF Energy.
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