News: SMEs learn how to win business in the nuclear renaissance

Almost 200 small and medium-sized UK manufacturers are better placed to win business in the nuclear renaissance after attending an event last month.

The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) with support from The Nuclear AMRC and the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) delivered a number of workshops at Doncaster Racecourse to advise CEOs and directors from small and medium size manufacturers on what they needed to do to be considered as serious contenders for nuclear supplier status.

Welcoming delegates to the event, Taylor-Jayne Fox, Nuclear Lead and Process Improvement Practitioner, MAS said: "It is good to see so many manufacturing businesses taking advantage of the help and assistance provided through the MAS Nuclear Lead programme to better understand the nuclear industry and its specific requirements.

"This will ensure they can make informed strategic business decisions regarding investment of both resources and funds prior to entering the nuclear supply chain."

In opening the conference, Dr Glen Little, Nuclear New Build Director at Doosan Babcock and speaking on behalf of the Nuclear Industry Association reinforced the day's message, which was to reassure potential suppliers that they could participate in nuclear business and how they should go about getting involved.

He said: "I am pleased that MAS, NIA and Nuclear AMRC are working together to help provide Tier 3 and 4 manufacturers - such as those present - with the reliable and accurate information they need to understand the business opportunities and investments required for the nuclear supply chain of the future.

"It is vital to note that the supply chain is not just about nuclear new build and decommissioning; it is also about building the relationships throughout the supply chain so that UK industry can maximise the opportunities associated with the nuclear industry."

"The significance of this event, is that information provided through this conference has been endorsed by all the key players in the nuclear new build and decommissioning sectors."

Dr Little concluded that companies with no nuclear experience can be part of the nuclear renaissance. In many cases it will not be necessary for them to have a detailed understanding of nuclear codes such as RCC-M or ASME but they must understand Nuclear delivery and quality processes and adhere to them to be successful.

The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre is currently under construction on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham. It will provide a focal point for the bulk of the UK civil nuclear manufacturing industry supply chain, ensuring that manufacturers in the UK have the capability and capacity required to compete for nuclear new build in the UK and globally, from skills training to research and development.

Nuclear AMRC website
MAS website

Images: MAS