....BECBC's presence at Nuclear Week in Parliament, upcoming events (there's a lot going on!), member news with Sir Robert McAlpine, Member Focus with Hopegill Media and Member Event Focus with BAE's Regional Supply Chain Network.
Nuclear Week in Parliament
It was great to see so many of our members taking part in Nuclear Week in Parliament last week and, thanks to our board members, we had a strong BECBC presence with Ruth Sellick from Orano, Gary Shuttleworth from Morgan Sindall and Ivan Baldwin from Bechtel all able to represent BECBC as well as their employing member companies (thanks to the companies for supporting our work in this way). We asked each of them for their key takeaway from the event.
Ruth said " At the British Nuclear Showcase reception, Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, gave a keynote presentation that highlighted the significant support for nuclear within UK government and the need for industry to be proactive in what promises to be an exciting new era for nuclear in the UK. Against this backdrop, the reception was a really valuable way to spread the message about the importance of the experience, capability and capacity of supply chains and skills in Cumbria, which will be instrumental in supporting this new, exciting phase for the sector." Ruth's work chairing the UK Nuclear Regions group has been key to raising the profile of the regions such as Cumbria in government thinking.
Gary reflected "This was a vibrant week in Parliament with great attendance from graduates, apprentices, interns, project teams, business leaders and politicians. There's a wide international interest in the UK nuclear opportunities. The desire from the industry is to see the government progress key vehicles such as Great British Nuclear and Grant Shapps stated at the event that this was underway."
Ivan commented "The parliamentary interest in nuclear energy now reaches beyond the MPs and Peers representing nuclear host communities, making it a mainstream and bi-partisan political issue for many. Political capital for nuclear is hard won and easily lost, the Nuclear Week in Parliament event presented a valuable opportunity to reinforce the importance of nuclear energy to regaining energy security, fighting climate change and levelling-up. I was particularly pleased to see the prominence of the message of our nuclear communities being heard across Westminster."
Fellow member ECO will lead the discussion on what part will hydrogen play in solving the energy crisis? What problems are businesses facing in accessing hydrogen as an electricity generator and what solutions are out there to help? This is a small group and tickets have been going fast so don't miss out!
The panel session has become a popular part of our member meetings and the February one will consider the question "With sustainability requirements now being flowed down on government contracts how can members best prepare themselves to have a strong response and balance this with energy affordability?" Panel members include Alistair Booth, MD of Ortus Energy and Nick Lancaster from CAfS.
Social Value Group Meeting 28th February 10.30-12 at Lakes College
A huge thank you to Lakes College for supporting the group with a larger meeting room for 2023. Co-chairs Cath Howard and Deborah Naylor are working hard on the agenda for February's meeting but already there are only 10 venue tickets left-don't miss out if you want to be in the room!
Nuclear Group Meeting 9th March 12-4 at the National College for Nuclear
With a networking lunch sponsored by the Department for International Trade this meeting will explore export markets in Japan, Germany and Canada. Matt Mellor will also share how DiT support has made a difference for Createc in their exporting journey.
We'll shortly be finalising the content for the Professional Showcase Showcase booklet-if you provide Professional Services make sure you book your stand in time to be featured!
Member Event Focus: BAE Systems Submarines: Regional Supply Chain Network - 9th February 2023 12-3 at Bender UK Ulverston
This session will include a networking opportunity, and we will welcome a representative from JOSCAR who will explore the benefits of JOSCAR and the recently launched Hellios SME Portal, and how together, they can help you to stay fully compliant and operational for major players in the Defence, Aerospace and Security sectors. The portal gives you the opportunity to simplify the data collection and validation process, ensuring you can capitalise on new business opportunities quickly - you’ll stay current and relevant to even more customers. This will be followed by Bender UK highlighting the benefits of adding value through local collaboration and partnerships and a site visit of the premise.
Member Focus: Severfield Nuclear and Infrastructure (formerly Harry Peers)
Severfield Nuclear and Infrastructure (Formerly Harry Peers) specialise in the Project Management, Design, Fabrication and Erection of Structural Steelwork Contracts within the Petrochemical, Process, Pharmaceutical, Water, Defence and Nuclear Industries. Severfield N&I have extensive experience in modular construction for clients across all industries.
