Nick Kirsop-Taylor to support South West companies looking to enter or win more contracts in the offshore wind industry
The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) has today announced the appointment of Nick Kirsop-Taylor as the Supply Chain Specialist for the recently launched £20m GROW:OffshoreWind service, which has been created to ensure that English manufacturers grasp a significant share of the opportunities presented by the UK’s offshore wind market.
Based in the South West, Nick will help support companies looking to break into or win more contracts in the offshore wind industry, which is estimated to be worth more than £100bn over the next 20 years. With close to 3,000 components needed to build a wind turbine, there are numerous opportunities for SME manufacturers to supply the offshore wind market, including the manufacture of hydraulic parts, bearings, steel fabrication, cabling, electrical systems and composites.
Nick joins MAS following a 12 year career as a Project Manager. This included four years where he was involved in the creation and delivery of a number of key national initiatives to support UK supply chain companies in entering the offshore renewables industry.
Nick said: “I am committed to helping South West companies understand the scale and opportunities presented by the dynamic and fast developing global offshore wind industry. The UK has the capacity to become a global player in the manufacturing of components for offshore wind; we have the drive and technical capability. My hope is that manufacturers in the region seize the chance to play their part in fulfilling this potential.”
Simon Howes, MAS Area Director for South West England, said: “Following the recent release of the UK Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy, GROW:OffshoreWind highlights the extensive European and international export opportunities available to manufacturers. Nick’s technical knowledge and expertise will ensure that businesses are best placed to capitalise on these prospective areas of growth. We are delighted to welcome him to the team.”
GROW:OffshoreWind is being delivered by experienced industry experts from MAS, RenewableUK, Grant Thornton and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. The service will offer English manufacturers a unique joined up package of consultancy, technology and funding support.