Spencer Group has strengthened its foothold in the UK’s nuclear industry as it was chosen for a major four-year engineering programme.
The Hull-based civil engineering firm is set to design and build projects for the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) – a government body which conducts research across the sector.
The framework will enable Spencer Group to develop further its reputation in the nuclear industry, and proven track record of delivering complex engineering projects.
Rob Marshall, nuclear lead at Spencer Group, said: “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to work with NNL and to demonstrate our expertise and proven experience within the nuclear industry, which is one of the most challenging sectors for any business to work in.”
In the nuclear sector, Spencer Group has been involved in removing nuclear waste at the former Chapelcross power station in Dumfries and Galloway, south west Scotland, and is currently undertaking works at Hinkley Point A site in Somerset.
Under the new partnership with NNL, Spencer Group will design, build and maintain “experimental rigs” – a range of equipment that allows NNL to develop and test, in a controlled environment, new and emerging technological solutions for nuclear facilities around the UK.
The scope of works will include a range of complex engineering challenges, such as the design and construction of processing plants, pressure vessels, mechanical handling equipment and specialist machinery.
NNL works with clients across the industry to support the operation of nuclear plants, advise on waste management and conduct nuclear research.
Mick Renshaw, engineering director at Spencer Group, said: “We have extensive expertise in complex multi-disciplinary engineering work which we are excited to share with NNL.
“We’re working with a client that is looking beyond the established supply chain, so we’ll be offering a fresh perspective and evolving alongside NNL throughout the framework.
“Our aim is to be NNL’s partner of choice.”
Spencer Group is already a member of the National Skills Academy for Nuclear, which helps develop excellence in skills across the sector.
The company further strengthened its position in the nuclear sector with the appointment of business developer Charlotte Penn to a key position within Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster, a lobbying group shaping the future of the energy industry, including nuclear, in Cumbria.
Charlotte was one of eight young professionals who last year formed a new “shadow board”, which is charged with bringing new ideas and a fresh perspective to the industry.
