The first Fit For Offshore Renewables (F4OR) offshore wind supply chain support programme directed at businesses across Scotland has opened for applications today (Thursday).
F4OR Scotland, delivered by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, will be supported with industry funding from Crown Estate Scotland and the Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) Ltd. Up to 10 companies will be selected to join the 18-month programme, designed to help companies win business in the offshore wind industry, at home and abroad.
Andrew Macdonald, Director of Business Development at ORE Catapult, said:
“Scottish companies are respected internationally for their consistent engineering excellence and product innovation, and the F4OR programme provides an ideal route for companies with the right combination of key skills, expertise and leadership to succeed in the renewable energy sector.
“We are grateful for the support of our industry partners, ETZ Limited and Crown Estate Scotland. They have helped to develop this opportunity and share our ambitions to support the clean energy transition, grow a robust UK supply chain, accelerate the growth in offshore renewable energy and progress the UK’s net zero ambitions.”
Established in 2019, F4OR is one of the UK’s most successful supply chain mentoring programmes. To date, more than 171 companies have been supported who have experienced an average increase in turnover of 26%, as a result of securing new contracts, and many have become market-leading suppliers in the offshore wind sector.
Gillian Morrison, Deputy Head of Offshore Wind Development, Crown Estate Scotland said:
“As the manager of Scotland’s seabed, we have a key role in supporting the offshore wind sector and helping to accelerate the transition to clean power, create skilled jobs and contribute to long-term energy security. By partnering with ORE Catapult to deliver the first Scotland-wide F4OR programme, we are equipping companies with the insight, skills and support they need to compete, innovate and thrive in this rapidly developing industry.”
The award-winning programme is looking for companies that want to break into the offshore wind sector, scale up an existing presence in the industry, or make the transition to renewables from the likes of the oil and gas sector.
F4OR offers a rigorous evaluation process, including project management capabilities and financial stability, environmental sustainability practices, health and safety standards, as well as relevance to the offshore renewable energy market.
Freda Miller, Energy Supply Chain Programme Manager, ETZ Ltd said:
“ETZ Ltd is delighted to be a funding partner of the first Scotland-wide F4OR programme, which will enable greater collaboration between companies across the country. This initiative strengthens the northeast supply chain by enhancing capability and competitiveness to secure opportunities in the offshore renewables sector, reinforcing the region’s position as a catalyst for energy innovation.”
Balmoral Comtec, based in Aberdeen, completed the F4OR programme and achieved ‘Granted’ status, signifying that the company is ready to win work in the renewables sector.
Ian Milne, Head of Sales and Business Development – Renewables, at Balmoral Comtec, added:
“Fit 4 Offshore Renewables provided Balmoral Comtec with practical guidance for transferring expertise from the traditional energy sector to renewables. As one of the first companies to complete the programme and receive granted status, it delivered strategic thinking with senior management involvement and would benefit any organisation looking to position itself for future opportunities.”
For more information on the F4OR programme and to submit an Expression of Interest, please click here by Friday 6 March.
Media Team
media@ore.catapult.org.uk
For more information contact:
Pamela Bailey, PR Manager, 07591 339384, pamela.bailey@ore.catapult.org.uk
About the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult
ORE Catapult is the UK’s leading innovation centre for offshore renewable energy, established in 2013 by the UK Government as part of a network of Catapults set up by Innovate UK in high growth industries.
Independent and trusted, with a unique combination of world leading test and demonstration facilities, engineering and research expertise, ORE Catapult convenes the sector, delivering applied research, accelerating technology development, reducing risk and cost, and enhancing UK-wide economic growth.
ORE Catapult operates in Glasgow, Blyth, Levenmouth, Aberdeen, the Humber, the East of England, the South West and Wales.