Volume 9 issue 1 Nuclear Future
Businesses hear of supply chain opportunities
Stephen Allott, Crown SME representative, opened the event
More than 700 visitors from across the UK and beyond took advantage of face-to-face networking opportunities at the second supply chain event for the whole NDA estate. The NDA Estate Supply Chain Event, at the De Vere Whites
Hotel in Bolton, was organised jointly by the NDA and all its Site Licence Companies. Held for the first time in 2011, a key goal is to open up visibility of opportunity for all the supply chain, and for SMEs in particular.
The day was formally opened by Stephen Allott, the Crown
representative for SMEs, who reminded delegates of the Government’s aspiration that 25% of central government business will go to SMEs by 2015.
He said: “Since being in post, I’ve seen Government make real
progress in supporting SMEs to win more business. A key focus of this has been letting SMEs know about upcoming future public sector contracts, giving them confidence to invest in new skills, services and products. “The NDA Estate Supply Chain Event is a great example of
this in action, giving SMEs the chance to talk direct to buyers to better understand and shape the market. Everyone I spoke to really valued this opportunity, and it is good to see the NDA focusing on how to help SMEs.” Almost 100 businesses took exhibition space, alongside
information stands representing the NDA, all the SLCs, Top Tier 2s, government bodies and regeneration organisations. Early informal feedback suggests the event has already succeeded in promoting dialogue and opening up possible business links for those who attended. Among the comments received so far, via the NDA Supply Chain LinkedIn pages, were: • “Most worthwhile, focused event I have been to this year .... I came away with contacts that are already proving extremely useful.”
• “We managed in one day to collect information and make contacts which would normally have required months.” The event is part of a series of initiatives arising from workshops
Exhibitors included both small and large businesses
held during 2011 and currently being implemented. Other measures to support the supply chain include a simplification contract flowdown requirements and adopting HMG’s Contract Finder as the single, web-based portal for forthcoming tendering opportunities. SME Steering Groups at a national and regional level are also being established to provide additional focus and support the improvement measures, with the Welsh region first to meet in early January. Ron Gorham, the NDA’s Head of Supply Chain Optimisation
and SME Champion, said: “Last year’s inaugural event went extremely well and we are absolutely delighted that even more people were able to attend in 2012. We listened to feedback from 2011 and aimed to provide more space for business stands and for informal discussions. The indications so far are that it has worked extremely well. “We remain committed to working with our supply chain,
from the largest to the smallest players, to improve opportunities for involvement in decommissioning. The success of our mission depends on vibrant, dynamic businesses that can provide solutions to the many challenges.”
Presentations dealt with the decommissioning supply chain
Events 27
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56