In April, the green light was given for the building of the UK’s first small modular reactor (SMR) power station at Wylfa in Anglesey. The move could bring more than 3000 high quality jobs to the area and represents an initial investment of £2.5 billion in Northwest Wales.
Wylfa is part of a resurgence in the UK’s nuclear sector, driven by the UK Government’s aim to have generated 24GW of new nuclear capacity by 2050, providing 25% of the nation’s electricity.
Nuclear is set to be a key part of the country’s low carbon energy mix, and new investment in the sector could bolster energy security, as well as support the drive towards Net Zero. The Government’s Civil Nuclear Roadmap included a commitment to deploy SMRs across the UK and explore a large-scale reactor project after Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C.
There’s a palpable sense of vitality to the sector.
And that’s buoyed by announcements such as Centrica and X-Energy’s Joint Development Agreement to deploy Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) in the UK (with Hartlepool identified as the first site), and Community Nuclear Power, the UK’s only independent SMR development company, revealing plans for SMR deployment in North Tees.
But to succeed, 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. Innovators to support the roll-out of new technology are also in demand. And Life extension projects to the existing fleet will generate additional opportunities for the manufacturing and engineering supply chain.
So how can your business be better positioned to market products and services in the nuclear industry?
And if you are already working in the industry, how can you maximise on the opportunities?
Here, we provide advice on energising your marketing for the nuclear renaissance…
Does your business have a clear message for the nuclear sector? What are your USPs?
You need a clear, defined proposition for the nuclear sector, and to convey where your business fits into the supply chain and how can it support the generation of new nuclear capacity.
Think about what makes your business genuinely different to other suppliers in the sector – and articulate this through tailored messaging.
Your nuclear-ready proposition should be communicated across all platforms and assets, from your website and social media channels to your exhibition materials and presentations.
How are you embedding into the nuclear sector?
Trade organisations such as NOF, the Nuclear Institute and the Nuclear Industries Association are helping businesses to gain vital knowledge of the sector and identify new opportunities. And their networking events provide an environment where you can connect with decision makers and potential partners in the supply chain.
They can also help youcommunicate your capabilities through a range of marketing channels and platforms including newsletters, social media, speaking opportunities at conferences and webinars.
As well as national organisations, plenty 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 Nuclear ARC, Nuclear South West, Northern Nuclear Alliance, Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) and Generate.
Do you have an events strategy in place?
Nuclear-focused conferences, networking events, seminars and expos are opening their doors throughout the year – and they’re helping businesses to build partnerships, strengthen their supply chains and gain sector insight.
NOF, the Nuclear Institute, the Nuclear Industries Association and the regional clusters organise regular events: if you are serious about sector engagement, you need to be at them!
Exhibiting at and/or sponsoring event will enhance your company’s industry profile and help your business get noticed by the right people – and you may be able to share your own insights and capabilities through a presentation or panel discussion.
It’s important to map our which events will help you gain sector traction and decide on your level of engagement and commitment to them. And to maximise on events, you’ll need to promote your attendance and participation, ensure you have the right assets in place (from merch to banner stands) and plan how you will capture and follow up with leads and opportunities.
Check out our blog on Maximising your Presence at Trade Shows and Exhibitions here.
Is your website powered up for nuclear?
Your website is a shop window into your business.
It needs to fully represent your offering to the nuclear sector, and convey your capabilities quickly and impactfully.
Therefore, tailored content on your work for the sector needs to be easy to find and digest, and detail on specific solutions and certifications such as ISO 19443 should be included.
Adding relevant project news and case studies to your website will also build trust and confidence in your expertise.
Are you using content marketing effectively?
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, generating a rich array of high quality content will help you build credibility.
Head-turning visual content such as animations, videos and infographics can bring your proposition, capabilities and facilities to life, educate your target audiences, and make an immediate impact on social media channels too.
Is your business visible in the nuclear sector?
If you have a story to tell about your success in the sector, people need to hear it!
A focused public relations strategy can help you raise your profile in the nuclear industry and ensure your company is associated with key projects and partners. Trade media (such as Engineering Magazine, Nuclear Future and Nuclear Engineering International) and network communications can be used to position your team as experts and build positive perceptions of your company.
It’s also important to demonstrate how you are contributing to the local community, how you’re helping to develop apprentices and graduates, and how your business is engaging with environmental initiatives. What are you doing in STEM education? How is your business becoming more sustainable and reducing its environmental impact?
Need help in marketing your business in the nuclear sector?
We can support you with marketing strategy, brand development, content marketing, digital, design, and event and network support.
You can meet us for a chat at the Nuclear North East England Conference & Exhibition on May 21 at Wynyard Hall, Stockton-on-Tees. Our team are exhibiting at the event and we’re also proud to be Event Marketing Partner. If you’d like to meet us there, get in touch here.
Or you can contact our experts to set up an initial call here.
More information on the UK’s nuclear sector
We were proud to have contributed to the This is what nuclear can do for you publication, produced by the Nuclear Regions Collaboration, which was launched this year at Nuclear Week in Parliament.
The publication shines a spotlight on the people, places and innovation driving the nation’s nuclear future.
Horizon Works provided editorial and content expertise for the project, supporting national energy network NOF in shaping the North East England contribution.
You can read the report here.