WORKING AT HEIGHTS - Wind Energy Network

Offshore Wind conferenceSuccess of Yorkshire firmsin offshore wind industryhighlightedThe success of Yorkshire businessesin winning work in the offshore windindustry was showcased at a regionalsupply chain conference.Offshore Wind: A Guide forBusinessOffshore Wind: A Guide For Businessalso outlined what the area’s companiesneed to do to help more of them securecontracts in the sector.Advanced ManufacturingResearch Centre (AMRC)Staged at the AMRC, Rotherham, thehi-tech capabilities of the host venue,and the expertise of South Yorkshire’sestablished manufacturers, were also keythemes of the event.The conference, organised by theRenewables Network and FootprintRenewables and sponsored by Nabarro,was aimed at helping firms prepare foropportunities in offshore wind energy –which could become a significant part of theYorkshire economy in the years to come.Renewables NetworkSam Pick, Business Development Directorof the Humber-based RenewablesNetwork – which supports companiesto enter the market – said: “In termsof offshore wind, 2013 could be animportant year for businesses in theregion.“Key decisions are expected, particularlyin connection with port-baseddevelopments, and global companies willbe looking for local partners.“But what is also crucial to remember ishow work is already going on – especiallywith regards smaller-scale offshore windfarms close to the east coast.“With strong case studies, the OffshoreWind: A Guide For Business eventdemonstrated this and how localcompanies can win contracts.“Hopefully, this message and conferencewill help and inspire other Yorkshirebasedbusinesses to gain a foothold inthis dynamic industry.RichardBurgessSpencer GroupAmong those businesses that presentedat the supply chain conference wasSpencer Group – a specialist engineeringfirm which works across many differentdisciplines.Recently, the company, which has itsheadquarters at One Humber Quays onHull Marina, has won significant contractssupporting onshore electrical infrastructurework for both Dong Energy and E.ON, thelatter through CG Power.Richard Burgess, Managing Director ofthe Spencer Group’s professional servicesdivision, spoke at the conference.76www.windenergynetwork.co.uk