Driving growth and connection across the energy and engineering sectors

OPPORTUNITY was front and centre as members of Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) came together for a packed day of collaboration and connection, proving that even in challenging times, the supply chain’s spirit of innovation continues to thrive.

The event combined BECBC’s Energy Networx, Energy & Engineering Showcase and Nuclear Group meetings into one packed day of presentations, networking and the business-to-business conversations that drive growth.

The programme included insights from Sizewell C, Babcock International, Graham, and AWE, with discussions ranging from supply chain engagement and feedback processes to upcoming contract opportunities.

The session also featured updates from Sellafield Ltd, focusing on how they gather and respond to supplier feedback, alongside current and upcoming procurement opportunities.

The event came at a time when public spending reviews have created uncertainty across the sector. However, BECBC continues to demonstrate its value to members by connecting them directly with opportunity, supporting them to engage and representing the supply chain as a collective voice.

Emma-Jayne Gooch, Nuclear Sector Group Chair for BECBC, said: “These are the conversations that matter to people in the room. The energy was electric, and seeing members making connections, having conversations and learning about upcoming opportunities is exactly what BECBC is about.

“We’ve brought together speakers from AWE, Sizewell C, Nuclear Waste Services, Graham, Sellafield and Babcock International, among others, to help attendees understand the upcoming opportunities and how they can engage with and access them.”

Luke Diccicio, Communications Business Partner (Nuclear) at Morgan Sindall, added: “Events like this are important to Morgan Sindall because they give us access to companies from across the whole supply chain. There’s so much going on with Morgan Sindall at the moment, with our existing frameworks and new work that we’re targeting, so being out and about and able to speak to people in person, whether it’s people we already know or those we’re meeting for the first time, the Engineering and Energy Showcase is a brilliant way to do that.”

For many, the event underlined the importance of face-to-face engagement in a competitive and evolving marketplace. Andy Hassall, Divisional Director, Energy, Morson Projects, said: “There are a lot of frameworks in play at the moment, and you’re not going to win those frameworks by sitting behind your computer sending emails, you have to network with people. Events like this give us our showcase. It’s specifically themed around energy and engineering, and guess what? We’re in those sectors. So, all like-minded people are here.”

The day also marked a new beginning for Shepley Group, who attended as guests and have now confirmed their full membership. Trudy Harrison, Head of Business Development at Shepley Group, explained: “BECBC really is the only shop in town where you can learn about opportunities in the nuclear, manufacturing and high-integrity sectors, and that’s what we do at Shepley Group.

"I know how important it is to be in the room with the right people, the people responsible for the work your business is involved in, and that’s why I was so passionate about rejoining.

“Already I can see the benefit of membership. We’ve had access here to Sellafield, Sizewell C, AWE and Nuclear Waste Services, all explaining the work coming up and the opportunities that brings. This is the place to find out what’s happening.”

As the UK’s energy and engineering landscape continues to shift, BECBC remains committed to helping its members adapt, engage and thrive. Through events like the Energy and Engineering Showcase, the cluster continues to champion collaboration, unlock opportunities and represent the strength of the supply chain. Every month there’s an opportunity for directors, strategic leads and founders to understand the landscape they’re operating in via the Energy Networx events and BECBC membership also brings access to the five sector groups, including the Nuclear Group which concentrates on tender opportunities within the nuclear sector.