More than 120 representatives from small and medium enterprises
located close to the home of STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy
Production) at West Burton gathered recently for a local supplier
engagement event, hosted by the team who are bringing fusion
energy to the UK.
Howard Wilson, STEP's Director of Science and Technology
introduced the session with a presentation on fusion,
STEP, plus supporting site information about West Burton
where the prototype fusion energy power plant will be built.
Presenting from the local district councils, Julie Beresford Head
of Growth and Economic Prosperity and Sally Grinrod-Smith
Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities demonstrated
support for STEP from nearby local authorities and their fluid
approach to hosting STEP. They covered the history of the area
and identified the socio-economic opportunities that will result
from the STEP Programme in the future.
Since the early days of the programme, the STEP team has worked
closely in partnership with district and county councils. Both
Julie and Sally observed the high levels of engagement on the day
and commented on the positive nature of the event and the
numerous business enquiries that have followed.
Commercial team members and Ryan Cload represented
the supply chain at STEP. Andrew commented:
It's very important to the local economy that STEP brings
opportunities to the area. Our initial priority is to establish
what services we have on our doorstep and create the right
channels of engagement to enable effective ways of future working
with local businesses. This event was a great way to share
information about STEP and it was encouraging to see the
networking that took place amongst the local business
representatives.
Helping to bring the work of STEP to life, a series of
local case studies were given, to explore the
early relationships already established with STEP. Clive Anderson
from Elite Signs of Gainsborough commented on his
long-established relationship with the site and what it meant to
the business to be able to continue working with the STEP team.
He welcomed future requests as the site works continue to grow.
Photographer Chris Vaughan's work was showcased, and he commented
that he felt part of the team when commissioned to work for STEP.
The STEP team always create time for questions when spending time
in the community to aid understanding of fusion. These covered
the technical side of fusion, site transport, water licences,
apprentices, skills and the processes behind tenders for work.
The website also includes an area with frequently asked questions
which are updated regularly.
Following the presentations, a speed-dating session was held with
the local businesses to give them a chance to share information
about their companies, the nature and size of their business and
plans for future growth. The range of industry was vast and
covered engineering, skills, security, transport, accommodation,
catering, manufacturing, materials and many more.
For those who may have missed this event, future similar events
are planned for the local area with all events published and
shared with people who have registered their interest on our
website: step.ukaea.uk. You can also
follow our social channels @STEPtoFusion.
Notes to Editors
STEP is a major technology and infrastructure programme to build
the UK's first prototype fusion power plant and to create a
UK-led fusion industry. STEP will demonstrate net energy, fuel
self-sufficiency and a route to commercialisation. This will
catalyse new ideas and technology that will benefit multiple
industries and help secure our future on this planet. STEP is a
government-funded industry partnership programme led by UK
Industrial Fusion Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of UKAEA
Group.
The West Burton site was selected in October 2022 as the home for
STEP. The site is currently a demolition zone, with extensive
works to decommission the former coal-fired power station,
alongside this activity, the STEP Programme is preparing site
characterisation information in readiness for construction.
Local Authorities in the area recently reported on the
potential local impact of jobs and investment in the
area. Headlines
from Nottinghamshire County Council's ‘Newsroom' available
here.
