Materials Processing Institute hosts seminar for neighbouring SMEs
High turnout at a seminar for companies seeking opportunities in the Offshore Wind & Nuclear Sectors.
As part of its ongoing commitment to support SMEs in the region, The Material Processing Institute hosted the seminar: "Offshore Wind & Nuclear Supply Chain Opportunities for Steel Fabrication Companies".
This seminar was organised by MAS (Manufacturing Advisory Service) and the opening address was given by Chris McDonald, CEO of the Materials Processing Institute, who outlined how the Institute works with organisations to help ensure scientific and process based research projects can be realised commercially, particularly emphasising their active engagement with SMEs as demonstrated by the recently created SME Technology Centre.
The emphasis of the seminar was on opportunities for fabrication companies and was attended by over 40 companies from the region. The presentations focussed on support for fabricators wanting to work in the Offshore Wind and Nuclear Sectors both in terms of the supply chain and other commercial support.
Presentations were given by the following organisations:
Renewable UK, who outlined current Offshore Wind Farm projects and how they can support organisations with market intelligence, route to market and networking.
A2SEA, who are actively seeking fabrication companies for future projects and were able to offer advice on the process for registering as a supplier.
The seminar also highlighted funding opportunities available to support SMEs with presentations from GROW:Offshore Wind and Tees Valley Unlimited. Francis Brown Ltd presented a case study on how it had benefitted in terms of facilities and equipment investment with the support of GROW.
F4N (Fit For Nuclear) presented immediate and upcoming opportunities to engage with the nuclear sector and The Business Growth Service outlined access to finance to help organisations with strategic training, development and investment.
Alan Scholes, Chief Technology Officer at the Materials Processing Institute and chairman of the seminar commented:
"It was really good to see so many companies at the event and to understand the growth potential for SMEs and others in the region in the Offshore Wind and Nuclear sectors. The UK has a world leading position in deployment of offshore wind technology and now is the time to capitalise on that. I hope that this event has opened people's eyes to the breadth of potential involvement in these sectors and the technical, commercial and business support and partner organisations available to help those wishing to diversify into these sectors".
The Materials Processing Institute is also holding another SME Workshop on 13th November. This workshop will enable SME's to see first-hand how the Institute is set up to work with them in terms of research and process technology, business services and business partnering, with relevant industry support organisations also involved.
Contact the Materials Processing Institute at enquiries@mpiuk.com if you are an SME and interested in attending.
16 July 2015
