Spencer Group secures major new role to deliver nuclear industry projects

Principal Engineer Chris Kirkby works on a design for a rotating chute.

SPENCER Group has been chosen as a delivery partner for a major new programme of work in the nuclear industry.

The Hull-based engineering business is set to design and build projects over the next four years for National Nuclear Laboratories (NNL) – a Government body that conducts research and provides services across the sector.

The framework will enable Spencer Group to develop further its reputation in the nuclear industry and proven track record of delivering complex engineering projects.

Spencer Group Nuclear Lead Rob Marshall said: “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to work with NNL and to demonstrate our expertise and proven experience within the nuclear industry, which is one of the most challenging sectors for any business to work in.”

Spencer Group is renowned for delivering world-class engineering projects through its dedicated in-house team. Its major projects in the energy sector have included leading the development of the £200m Energy Works plant in Hull, one of the UK’s most innovative green energy schemes, and delivering a £68m contract to design and build a major biomass handling facility at the Port of Tyne.

In the nuclear sector Spencer Group has been involved in removing nuclear waste at the former Chapelcross power station in Dumfries and Galloway, south west Scotland, and is currently undertaking works at Hinkley Point A site in Somerset.

Under the new partnership with NNL, Spencer Group will design, build and maintain “experimental rigs” – a range of equipment that allows NNL to develop and test, in a controlled environment, new and emerging technological solutions for nuclear facilities around the UK. The scope of works will include a range of complex engineering challenges, such as the design and construction of processing plants, pressure vessels, mechanical handling equipment and specialist machinery.

NNL works with clients across the industry to support the operation of nuclear plants, advise on waste management and conduct nuclear research.

Mick Renshaw, Spencer Group Engineering Director, said: “We have extensive expertise in complex multi-disciplinary engineering work which we are excited to share with NNL.

“We’re working with a client that is looking beyond the established supply chain, so we’ll be offering a fresh perspective and evolving alongside NNL throughout the framework. Our aim is to be NNL’s partner of choice.”

Spencer Group is already a member of the National Skills Academy for Nuclear, which helps develop excellence in skills across the sector.

The company further strengthened its position in the nuclear sector with the appointment of Business Developer Charlotte Penn to a key position within Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster, a lobbying group shaping the future of the energy industry, including nuclear, in Cumbria. Charlotte was one of eight young professionals who last year formed a new “shadow board”, which is charged with bringing new ideas and a fresh perspective to the industry.

The NNL partnership is also good news for another Hull-based engineering firm, after Spencer Group teamed up with engineering consultancy OSL Consulting to prepare the tender.

“OSL are experts in pipe and vessel work so it made perfect sense to join forces,” said Mr Renshaw. “You can never do everything yourself and it’s good to link up with high-quality organisations that bring specific expertise to projects. This is an example of the collaborative approach that Spencer is well known for.”