One of the UK’s most successful supply chain mentoring programmes delivering tailored business support for companies targeting success in the growing offshore renewables energy sector will open exclusively to North East-Scotland based companies from today, (28 October 2024).
This is the fifth Fit for Offshore Renewables (F4OR) programme to be run in the region by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, on this occasion with £150,000 in funding support from the Energy Transition Zone (ETZ Ltd). Up to 10 established companies based in Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray will be selected to take part. The average programme spans 18 months and applications will remain open until Tuesday, 26 November 2024.
F4OR is a key part of ETZ Ltd’s two-phase support initiative alongside a challenge fund that will deliver capital investment grants to help North East Scotland energy supply chain companies achieve their low carbon business ambitions. ETZ Ltd has previously supported the second, third and fourth rounds of F4OR delivered to companies based in the region.
Participating companies undergo a rigorous evaluation process comprising health and safety standards, environmental sustainability practices, project management capabilities and financial stability, as well as their applicability to the renewable energy market. Companies completing previous F4OR programmes have experienced an average 28% increase in turnover with many securing new contracts.
Davood Sabaei, F4OR Programme Manager at ORE Catapult, said: “Companies in the North East with skills and expertise gained servicing the oil and gas sector are ideally suited to make the transition to the growing offshore wind sector and we would encourage companies with that pedigree to apply for this latest F4OR programme. We are also keen to see ambitious companies, keen to enter the sector, submit an application before the 26 November deadline.
“We are pleased to again partner with ETZ Ltd for the F4OR programme which has supported 75 North East Scotland companies to date. Working together, we can progress our shared ambition to support the clean energy transition, boost the local energy supply chain, and accelerate the growth in offshore renewable energy.”
The F4OR programme aligns with ETZ Ltd’s overall ambition to create a world class energy supply chain.
Freda Miller, Supply Chain Programme Manager at ETZ Ltd, said: “We look forward to continuing our partnership with ORE Catapult and are delighted to fund the next cohort of F4OR companies in the North East of Scotland. The programme plays an important part in the energy transition initiatives that ETZ Ltd deliver, which support the low carbon journey of companies moving away from the reliance on oil and gas to achieve a balanced portfolio.”
Aleksandra Jurczak, Head of Strategic Marketing at Maritime Developments Ltd said: “Though the F4OR programme might seem daunting on first inspection, our team has benefitted enormously from being introduced to the opportunities, potential collaborations and partnerships that can be forged, as well as the depth of specialist expertise openly shared regarding the renewables marketplace.
“Having the Energy Transition Zone on our doorstep, with its funding support and networking opportunities, provides an invaluable boost for North East businesses. Coupled with solid support from the F4OR mentoring team, including knowledge-sharing sessions and specialist modules, we feel better positioned to capitalise on these new business opportunities. I would encourage companies committed to a future in the renewables sector to consider applying for the F4OR programme – we’ve found the experience immensely rewarding.”
For more information on the programme and to submit an Expression of Interest form, please click here.
The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, 26 November 2024.
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Photo Credit Equinor Hywind Tampen floating offshore windfarm, Photographer: Ole Jorgen Bratland