UK: Success of Yorkshire Firms in Offshore Wind Industry Highlighted

YORKSHIRE businesses that have already won work in the offshore wind power industry have been lined up to present at a supply chain conference.

Delegates at the event will hear how companies in the region have been successful in securing contracts in the emerging sector and the type of requirements global energy giants are looking for from suppliers.

Offshore Wind: A Guide For Business is being staged on Monday, February 25, at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

As more major wind turbine companies establish in the UK, experts say businesses need to consider how to enter the industry’s supply chain.

The event, organised by the Renewables Network and Footprint Renewables, is aimed at helping firms prepare for this opportunity, as well as giving an update on the sector – which could become a significant part of the Yorkshire economy in the years to come.

Sam Pick, business development director of the Humber-based Renewables Network – which helps companies enter the market – said: “In terms of offshore wind, 2013 could be an important year for businesses in the region.

 “Key decisions are expected, particularly in connection with projects around the Humber estuary and its ports, and global companies will be looking for local partners.

 “But what is also crucial to remember is how work is already going on – especially with regards smaller-scale offshore wind farms close to the east coast.

 “With strong case studies, the Offshore Wind: A Guide For Business event will demonstrate this and how local companies can win contracts.

 “Hopefully, this message and conference will help and inspire other Yorkshire-based businesses to gain a foothold in this dynamic industry.”

The February 25 event is sponsored by Nabarro.

Among those businesses that will present at the supply chain conference is Spencer Group.

The Hull-based company has won significant contracts supporting onshore electrical infrastructure support work for both Dong Energy and EON, the latter through CG Power.

Westermost Rough Limited, which is a daughter company of Dong Energy, will build a wind farm about five miles off the East Yorkshire coast.

It is the second time the Offshore Wind: A Guide For Business event has been staged in South Yorkshire – with the area’s strong manufacturing credentials said to be crucial to establishing a true cluster of green energy suppliers across the wider region.

But firms have been urged to reduce costs, ensure their workforces are properly equipped and have the right accreditations to meet the requirements of renewables developers.

Andrew Morton, account director of green energy marketing company Footprint Renewables, said: “The industry demands the highest standards and is truly global in nature.

 “This means local companies have to compete with those from overseas and will be under pressure to offer an approach that is innovative and is focused on cost-reduction, to have a chance of entering the supply chain.

 “Speakers at the February 25 conference have experience of how to achieve this and can give companies an insight into what capabilities and capacity they need to be part of the offshore wind industry.”

Presentations at the event will include an introduction and industry overview, details on supply chain-led cost reduction and the use of technology and innovation to bring costs down.

Delegates will also have a tour of the AMRC and the newly-developed apprentice and training facilities.

Confirmed speakers so far include:

• Sam Pick – business development director, Renewables Network, and 2012 Humber Renewables Champion

• Tim Shaw – partner, Nabarro LLP

• Richard Burgess – managing director, engineering and construction, Spencer Group

• Andrew Morton – account director, Footprint Renewables

• Alan McLelland – chief executive, National Metals Technology Centre (Namtec)

• John Britton – director, Renewables Network

• Alison Bettac – training director, AMRC

• Jonathan Cohen – senior associate, Nabarro LLP

• Richard Wright – executive director, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce

The conference will also provide a useful chance to network with other people and businesses involved in an industry that is now ready to find long-term partners in the UK.

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Press release, February 13, 2013; Image: footprintrenewables