Marketing for the nuclear renaissance

The UK’s nuclear sector has a new-found vitality.

And it’s driven by the UK Government’s aim to have generated 24GW of new nuclear capacity by 2050, providing 25% of the nation’s electricity.

January 2024 saw the Government issue a Civil Nuclear Roadmap, which included a commitment to deploy Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) across the UK and explore a large-scale reactor project after Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C.

Hinkley Point C, which will supply 7% of the UK’s electricity once complete, has contributed more than £13 billion to the British economy and supported 26,000 jobs, while Sizewell C is boosting the UK supply chain by £8 billion.

Innovation is key, with companies such as X-Energy and Cavendish Nuclear collaborating to develop Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) in the UK, using next generation reactor technology: a site adjacent to Hartlepool Nuclear Power Station has been identified as a prime location for their deployment.

And on the north bank of the Tees, Community Nuclear Power plans to install four SMRs, in a landmark project for North East England and the UK.

Across the UK, the opportunities for growth in the sector are plain to see, but there can be a misconception that to be part of the nuclear supply chain, your business needs to be an established nuclear specialist.

SMR and AMR manufacturers, and contractors in the sector, need robust supply chains and reliable regional suppliers who can deliver high quality components and engineering capabilities – and there are many businesses which fall into that category.

Pipework, valves, transformers, pumps, filters, shielding, fuel handling equipment, electrical equipment, maintenance services… they’re all required as the sector grows.

And the engineering and manufacturing expertise, and innovative approaches, of companies across the UK will be in demand.

So how can your business be better positioned to market products and services in the nuclear industry?

And if you are already in the sector, how can you maximise on the opportunities?

Here, we provide advice on how to power up your marketing for success in nuclear…

What is your message for the nuclear sector? Where does your business fit into the supply chain and how can it support the aim to generate new nuclear capacity? What are your USPs? How can your business stand out among other suppliers?

You need a clear proposition for the nuclear sector. And this needs to be communicated across all platforms and assets, from your website and LinkedIn page to your exhibition materials and slide decks. It is a vital first step.

How are you becoming embedded into the nuclear sector? Are you a member of trade organisation or industry body such as NOF, the Nuclear Institute and the Nuclear Industries Association? And if so, are you using these networks to your advantage?

Industry networks provide invaluable opportunities to meet sector leaders and decision makers face to face, build relationships, gain knowledge and communicate your capabilities. From newsletters and social media, to speaker slots and webinars, there are multiple ways to get your business in front of the right people.

As well as national organisations, you should also explore what is happening at a regional level: consider engaging with regional bodies such as East of England Energy Group (EEEGR), Wales Nuclear Forum (WNF), Midlands Nuclear, North West ARC, Nuclear South West, Northern Nuclear Alliance, Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) and Generate.

Which industry events are you attending? Do you have an events strategy in place? And are you equipped to maximise on events?

With the UK’s nuclear renaissance has come a wealth of conferences, networking events, seminars and expos, as businesses look to build partnerships, strengthen their supply chains and gain valuable industry insights and knowledge. Organisations such as NOF, the Nuclear Institute and the Nuclear Industries Association organise regular events: and to build your presence and meet new connections, you need to be at them.

Exhibiting at and/or sponsoring event will boost your company’s presence and help it to get noticed – and you may be able to share your insights through a speaker slot or presentation.

What does your website say? Is it easy to find out how you can support the nuclear sector? Does it showcase your capabilities, track record and relevant certifications?

As a first port of call for many prospects – and a shop window into your business – your website needs to fully represent your offering to the nuclear sector, and convey your expertise quickly and impactfully. Consider how messaging on your work in nuclear can be integrated into website content. You should also introduce nuclear-specific sector pages with detail on specific solutions and certifications such as ISO 19443.

Once you’ve built up a head of steam in the sector, nuclear-specific news and case studies can follow.

What kind of content can you produce that will engage the nuclear sector? How are you catching prospects’ attention on LinkedIn? Does your content elevate your business?

Developing nuclear-specific content should be a priority when marketing to the industry. From white papers and technical articles, to data sheets, case studies and comment pieces on industry developments, generating a rich array of high quality content will help you build credibility.

Exciting visual content such as animations, videos and infographics can bring your proposition, capabilities and facilities to life, and turn heads on social media too.

Is your business known for its expertise in nuclear? Do you have an impressive story to tell about your success in the sector? Are you visible in the industry?

Implementing a focused public relations strategy can help you raise your profile in the sector, shape positive perceptions of your business, and ensure your name is associated with key projects and partners. You can use trade media (such as Engineering Magazine, Nuclear Future and Nuclear Engineering International) and network communications to help spread the good news and position your team as experts in their fields.

It’s also important to spread the news about how you are contributing to the local community, how you’re helping to develop apprentices, and environmental initiatives.

Speaking at an event or appearing on an industry podcast can also generate a major profile boost!

Need help in marketing your business in the nuclear sector?

Let’s chat.

Contact our experts here to find out how we can support you with marketing strategy, brand development, content marketing, digital, design, and event and network support.