Essex manufacturers looking to enter the nuclear industry can bid for a £1.5 million share of support funding. 
The Fit 4 Nuclear (F4N) initiative wants to help companies that want to meet industry standards in order to compete for work in the sector. 
F4N, which was developed by the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) and delivered in partnership with the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS), is offering grants of £10,000 to those who want to work in the civil nuclear sector. 
Mike Tynan, chief executive of the Nuclear AMRC, said: “Smaller manufacturers have a vital role to play in civil nuclear, if they can meet the standards demanded by the industry’s top tier. To win work, Essex companies need to make sure they have the ability to meet safety, quality and cost standards, and can demonstrate their specialist capabilities can deliver value to clients.” 
He continued: “We created Fit For Nuclear to help manufacturers close any gaps in performance, and this new funding will provide vital support for anyone taking the next steps and getting ready to compete for nuclear opportunities.” 
The cash will allow companies to make business improvements in areas including the manufacturing processes, factory layout, bid writing, training plans and strategy. 
Firms can also apply for cash to support their own research development into new products and processes and can access the Nuclear AMRC’s workshops in welding, metrology and design support. 
It is thought 5,000 small to medium sized firms will be needed to ensure the UK has the capacity to meet the new build programme worth £60billion, and the decommissioning of old sites. 
All improvement projects much be completed by March 31, 2016.  For more information, visit fitfornuclear.co.uk or call 0207 7283026.