Businesses in Humber Need Close Cooperation (UK)

Businesses across the Humber are being encouraged to work more closely together to secure their place in the growing offshore wind energy industry.

As more major wind turbine companies establish operations in the region, industry experts from the Renewables Network have stressed now is the time for the area’s firms to collaborate and possibly “up their game” to meet the sector’s demands.

It comes after engineering giant Siemens submitted a planning application to build a multi-million pound turbine assembly plant on Hull’s Alexandra Dock.

Now, companies in the area are being urged to plan their route into the industry’s extensive supply chain, or risk seeing new business go to rivals elsewhere – including overseas.

The Renewables Network, a Humber-based private sector group that supports firms to enter the green energy market, is jointly staging a conference on February 16 to help provide information on what developers, turbine manufacturers and wind farm operators look for from potential suppliers.

Sam Pick, the network’s business development director, said local companies may have to consider working more closely together, or look in new places for tender opportunities, to take a share of an industry that could be worth up to £15 billion for the region over the next decade.

He said: “The potential offshore wind energy presents for the region is huge – but the work and new revenue will not come easily.”

The network’s supply chain conference, called Offshore Wind: A Guide For Businesses, is being staged at the Country Park Inn, Hessle, East Yorkshire, on February 16, from 8.30am until 2.30pm.

Among those speaking at the event will be Hull City Council chief executive Nicola Yates – providing an update on the Green Port Hull and Siemens development.

Mr Pick said: “It is extremely positive the likes of Siemens may be keen on establishing operations in the Humber area, to assemble turbines for North Sea wind farms, but they have the option to tap into existing supply network on the European mainland.

“Businesses in Yorkshire need to prepare over the coming months and consider their offer and even possibly up their game, if they are to stand a chance of being an approved supplier – wherever this may be in the supply chain.

“This may mean forming joint ventures or partnerships with other businesses in the UK or overseas to present a better, bolder, offer for the industry’s tough demands.

“Meeting this challenge is entirely possible for our region, but we have to plan and prepare now to secure work in this new industry.”

Other speakers at the conference include logistics and supply chain expert Professor Chee Wong of the University Of Hull and Jonathan Rollison of Point Engineering and Team Humber Marine Alliance.

Co-organising the event is Footprint Renewables, a Humber-based public relations and marketing company that works with green energy companies.

Andrew Morton, account director of Footprint Renewables, said: “As a region, we have the skills and passion to seize the significant opportunity afforded by the offshore wind industry.

“However, we need to better understand and prepare our companies, now, to ensure we also have the most competitive products and services demanded by the market.

“This could mean providing a new level of guarantees in terms of quality, safety and delivery – areas that will become ever more important as the industry looks to reduce costs in the years to come.”

He added: “Whether your business is just starting up, is diversifying into the offshore wind market or is already established and would like to benefit from the latest industry information, this event will provide an essential guide.”

Delegate places booked before Friday, January 20, benefit from a reduced price of £99 + VAT for Renewables Network members and confirmed clients of Footprint Renewables. Non-members benefit from a reduced price of £145 VAT.

Those delegate places booked after January 20 cost £195 VAT, or £145 VAT for members of the Renewables Network and clients of Footprint Renewables.

As well as access to the conference, the price includes car parking, a breakfast reception, lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

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Source: footprintrenewables, January 17, 2012 ; Image: siemens