A £1.5m SUPPORT boost has been launched to help manufacturers enter or expand their presence in the growing nuclear sector.

Fit For Nuclear, which was developed by the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and delivered in partnership with the Manufacturing Advisory Service, is offering grants of around £10,000 to Worcestershire companies that want to meet industry standards and compete for work in civil nuclear. More than 5000 SMEs are needed to ensure the UK has the necessary capacity to meet its £60bn civil new build programme and the £multi-billion decommissioning contracts already underway.

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, Worcestershire companies need to make sure they have the ability to meet safety, quality and cost standards, and can demonstrate that their specialist capabilities can deliver value to clients. 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."

Manufacturers can apply for F4N funding to support research and development projects to optimise production or develop new processes/products and can also access the Nuclear AMRC's world-leading workshop capabilities in welding, metrology and design support. All projects must be completed by March 31, 2016, with firms urged to apply as soon as possible to secure a share of the funding.