More than half of manufacturers taking part in the Nuclear AMRC’s ‘Fit for Nuclear’ programme are confident of winning new nuclear work this year, a new survey has found.
The latest survey of companies which are currently progressing through ‘Fit for Nuclear’ (F4N), or are already granted, shows that most are confident of winning new business and have seen real benefits from the programme. In all, 89% of participating companies would recommend F4N to other manufacturers.
F4N is a unique service which lets Manufacturers measure their operations against the standards required to supply the nuclear industry – in new build, operations and decommissioning – and helps them take the necessary steps to close any gaps. F4N is delivered exclusively by the Nuclear AMRC and supported by top-tier partners in nuclear new build and decommissioning.
More than 680 UK manufacturers have now taken the initial F4N online assessment, with most Receiving ongoing support from the Nuclear AMRC’s industrial advisors and nuclear specialists. Completing the programme requires commitment and drive from senior managers, and typically takes 12-18 months.
Almost all of the 116 companies who responded to the survey are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with more than half still working towards being granted F4N.
Around a third of respondents said it was too soon to report demonstrable benefits. Of the others, more than 60% reported improvements in HSEQ measures, and more than half reported increased confidence and greater awareness of the nuclear market.
Despite divided views on the general economic climate for manufacturing, more than 90% expect their turnover to grow in the next year, with 57% confident of winning new work in nuclear.
The survey results will be used in the continuing development of the F4N service to provide additional value to manufacturers. The programme was expanded in late 2017, with additional post-granting support to help companies maintain their journey of business excellence.
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