Welsh manufacturers wanting to get ready for opportunities in the nuclear industry can now claim additional support from the Welsh Government.
Economy secretary Ken Skates announced a second tranche of funding worth £450,000 to support 50 Welsh companies through the Fit For Nuclear programme.
“The nuclear sector will provide a wide range of business opportunities over the next 20 years and we want to ensure that businesses in Wales are in a position to bid for and win a share of this business,” said Skates. “In Wales, research has identified that Welsh businesses have the potential, with the relevant accreditations and organisational systems, to compete for a significant proportion of nuclear sector contracts both in Wales and further afield, and Welsh Government is eager to support business efforts to maximise their share for the benefit of the Welsh economy.”
Fit For Nuclear (F4N) is a unique service, developed and delivered by the Nuclear AMRC, to help UK manufacturers get ready to bid for work in the civil nuclear supply chain. The programme enables companies to measure their operations against the standards required to supply the nuclear industry – in new build, operations and decommissioning – and take the necessary steps to close any gaps.
The Welsh Government is currently supporting an initial 20 companies through the programme.
“The 20 Welsh companies currently working through the F4N programme have highlighted the wealth of high-quality manufacturers in Wales which could meet the demands of the nuclear industry,” said Helen Arthur, F4N programme manager. “We are very excited to continue working with the Welsh Government to make sure that more Welsh manufacturers can access our support and get ready to win work in the nuclear supply chain at home and worldwide.”
Expressions of interest are now being sought from businesses in Wales wishing to participate in the F4N programme – companies must register by 9 August 2017.
Eligible companies must have a manufacturing facility in Wales, a turnover of £1.6m or above and employ 10 or more people. For more information and to register interest, go to the Business Wales F4N site or email DigwyddiadauNiwclear.NuclearEvents@wales.gsi.gov.uk
