The Manufacturing Advisory Service has appointed a supply chain specialist to boost opportunities for UK SMEs in securing a piece of the growing offshore wind market.
The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) has today announced the appointment of Nick Kirsop-Taylor as the supply chain specialist for the recently launched £20m GROW:OffshoreWind service, which has been created to ensure that English manufacturers grasp a significant share of the opportunities presented by the UK’s offshore wind market.
Mr Kirsop-Taylor will help support companies looking to break into or win more contracts in a sector that is estimated to be worth more than £100bn over the next 20 years.
With close to 3,000 components needed to build a wind turbine, there are numerous opportunities for SME manufacturers to supply the offshore wind market, such as the manufacture of hydraulic parts, bearings, steel fabrication, cabling, electrical systems and composites.
Mr Kirsop-Taylor joins MAS following a 12-year career as a project manager. This included a period spent creating and delivering key national initiatives to support UK supply chain companies in entering the offshore renewables industry.
He said: “I am committed to helping English companies understand the scale and opportunities presented by the dynamic and fast developing global offshore wind industry. “The UK has the capacity to become a major world player as we have the drive and technical capability. My role will be to help our manufacturers seize the chance to play their part in fulfilling this potential.”
Simon Howes, MAS Area Director, said: “Following the recent release of the UK Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy, GROW:OffshoreWind highlights the extensive European and international export opportunities available to manufacturers. Nick’s technical knowledge and expertise will ensure that businesses are best placed to capitalise on these prospective areas of growth. We are delighted to welcome him to the team.
GROW:OffshoreWind is being delivered by industry experts from MAS, RenewableUK, Grant Thornton and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
The service will offer English manufacturers a unique joined up package of consultancy, technology, market intelligence and funding support up to £500,000.
To register interest in the GROW:OffshoreWind service, call 0207 728 2738, email [email protected] or visit www.growoffshorewind.com.
