Welcome to this latest newsletter from NNA, lots of interesting stories from Members and hear about our recent event at Parliament
February 2025 NEWSLETTER
Message from our Chair Rachel O'Donnell
Welcome to the first edition of our newsletter for 2025. It’s been a great start to the year with Nuclear Week in Parliament, which we attended in force – more to come on this later in the newsletter. In support of NWIP, we published a briefing paper (thank you Paul for taking on production of this) highlighting the impact that Nuclear has on the North West Region beyond just Sellafield. Our paper includes all our membership - not just NIA members - to show the true Nuclear footprint. We sent this with a letter to all of the MPs in the area ahead of NWIP, to help them see the impact that Nuclear has on their constituencies, building more support for the sector.
The announcement last week from the Government (which was made in our region – in UKNNL’s lab at the Springfields site) on the relaxation of siting policy was welcome news. We await further detail on what this means, but it is great to see more support and positivity coming forward from Government on nuclear in general, and SMRs in particular. We obviously await the spending review to see what the impact will be on both the decommissioning sector and new build plans, and as this becomes clearer we will issue a briefing to you.
There are a number of events coming up soon too, so please mark these in your diaries and book a space. The ever-popular Meet the Buyer event will return on the 5th, and later in the year (we’re just firming a date at the moment), the first event from our New Technology and Innovation subcommittee which promises to cover a broad range of new developments on technology in the sector.
We held an NNA strategy session on the morning of 19th December and after lunch we fed back our thoughts to those members who came to hear from us and have a coffee and mince pie. It was good to see many of you there and to get more insight into what you’re looking for from us. The main outputs from the session were:
We’ll focus on key relationships with other groups in the NW (Net Zero NW, NWBLT, Hydrogen Alliance etc) to make nuclear an integral part of the ecosystem. To progress that, we’ve aligned board members against each of these bodies.
We will seek to widen out our membership and bring in more Tier 1s so we can do more to support SMEs enter and thrive in the sector.
We will get the calendar of events published earlier, so there is a rolling list with a clear 6 month look ahead, with all sub committees organising at least one event a year, and having an annual conference in November.
Highlight member companies more – we’ve started already, as our Membership Manager Sarah recently visited Hutchinson Engineering.
And we aim to engage with other areas to see what’s going on and share learning. To that end, we’re doing a road trip in March to Catch in Humberside to learn about what they’ve developed in response to skills needs
As ever there’s been a lot going on and we’re keen to hear more from you. Please let us know any feedback and how we can work more effectively to help you. But in the meantime, enjoy the newsletter!
Rachel
The NNA Team on our Strategy Day
Sub Group Updates
Skills & Capability:One focus of recent conversations within the Skills and Capability Group has been the emergence of Regional Nuclear Skills Hubs. We are in discussions with the relevant bodies to understand what these hubs offer, and whether there is any advantage to one being established in our region. The details are currently unclear, but if and when we learn more, we will arrange to share insight and thinking with the NNA membership
Social Value: The NNA social value group met in December for the first time. We discussed a variety of views from across the membership about what we could and want to achieve. The group will be meeting in March for a workshop to flesh out our plans and set key targets. If you are interested in the social value group, you can join at any point. In the coming months we plan to host beginners ‘sessions on social value, to help members better understand the social value agenda in the UK. If you are interested in joining the group or finding out more about the beginners' sessions, please reach out to luke.richardson@global.amentum.com
Did you know? The NNA is a member of the Social Value Institute. Supply Chain: The Supply Chain sub-committee recently met to discuss how we want to best represent the NNA membership. We’re exploring a number of ideas around giving members the opportunity to showcase what they do and to communicate that to the wider membership as well as creating a community where organisations can use the NNA to access the skills of other members. We really want to engage with the membership to seek your views and will be doing that in the very near future.
New Technology & Innovation: There will be an event organised for around April / May time looking at new developments in the sector, we will be confirming a date soon.
Inclusion and Diversity Signposting
Connecting with the Nuclear Rainbow Forum
The Nuclear Rainbow Forum was established in 2022, as an umbrella organisation for LGBTQ+ networks and Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) groups across our industry to collaborate and share Learning From Experience (LFE).
They aim to increase LGBTQ+ representation within the nuclear sector through diverse recruitment, promoting allyship and education, and providing a unified face for outreach to other industries and networks. Members of the Forum include SL, Jacobs, UKAEA, NNL and many more!
Founded by AWE plc, Jacobs, and Sellafield Ltd. Enable Nuclear is a Nuclear Industry wide network looking to connect the Disability, Neurodiversity and Carer employee resource groups across the industry. They aim to share best practice, solve problems, and offer a community of likeminded people within the nuclear sector.
Connecting with Racial Equality in Nuclear UK (REIN UK)
Roundtable event
Racial Equality in Nuclear (REiN) held a roundtable event at the end of January. Over 20 organisations gathered in Manchester to share insights on data, attraction, retention, and best practise to inform a shared strategy for the industry. Thank you to the sponsors, facilitators and participants who contributed to the workshop, and keep an eye out for the outputs in the next few weeks!
About REiN
REiN aims to be a positive disruptor to the UK nuclear sector - stimulating greater connectivity and learning between existing networks for race and ethnicity, as well as shifting industry perceptions to improve the inclusivity and attractiveness of the sector. Follow REiN’s activities on their LinkedIn page!
Rein roundtable meeting
Connecting with Inclusion and Diversity in Nuclear
Support Needed for Undergraduate Research Projects
Inclusion and Diversity in Nuclear is supporting several undergraduate students with their dissertations, and they need your help.
Project 1
Nada is researching the impact of training programmes in addressing the skills gap in the nuclear industry.
If you are currently working in a technical role within the UK civil nuclear industry. Or if you have undertaken a nuclear-specific training programme, please may you respond to her brief survey.
The survey is completely anonymous, takes 10 minutes to complete and is focused on understanding your training journey and its impact on your career.
Mohammed is researching equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives in the nuclear industry. Specifically he is aiming to explore how various EDI strategies are being implemented across the sector and evaluate their effectiveness in fostering a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Please share the survey links with others in your network who might be interested and able to assist these students.
Articles and Blogs
Spotlight Article - Supporting Staff During Ramadan. With Ramadan predicted to commence on the evening of Friday 28 February 2025, this article shares some information about it and how to support employees during this period.
UK Disability History Month – In this interview, Emily Ford, a mechanical engineer working in the nuclear industry, shares about her hidden disability.
IDN Annual Conference 2025
Conference Date and Time: Thursday 05 June 2025, 10:00 - 16:15 BST.
Conference Location: Manchester, UK and Online. It will be a hybrid event.
Conference Theme: 'Creating the Inclusive Workplace: Turning Intention into Action.'
Attend the Inclusion and Diversity in Nuclear conference to connect with peers, and gain knowledge, insights and ideas to strengthen your inclusion toolkit.
In this workshop, participants will learn how to recognise and talk about racism, Anti-Muslim hate or xenophobia in the workplace and how to challenge these forms of discrimination.
We worked with the Nuclear Regions Collaboration to host a panel discussion at NWIP on the power of the nuclear regions and how we all contribute differently and together to drive delivery in the sector. It was really well attended and we’d like to give a big thanks to Ruth Sellick who led the organisation of the event and the panel discussion. Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols was there and was very pleased with the briefing paper showing how important Warrington North is to the sector. She even quoted stats from our paper in a media interview after the NWIP events.
We heard from:
Julia Pyke, Joint Managing Director of Sizewell C
Paul Foster, Managing Director of Community Nuclear Power
Rachael Glaving, Business Development Director,EdF
Elliw Williams, Head of Stakeholder Engagement & Communications, Cwmni Egino
We’re already looking at what the next NWIP might mean for the region and hosting a similar event again.
Paul, Adrian, Monica and Rachel were there and attended numerous events. The main take aways that we had were:
There is a lot more positivity around SMRs and new build with a decision on FID for SZC expected soon.
The government is supportive of the sector and recognises its importance, not only to growth but for energy security and achieving net zero
The sector is poised and ready to respond when the starting gun is fired on SMRs, and we can see GBN (who have their HQ in our region) gearing up now, which is great news.
NWIP Event 28th January 2025
NDA Supply Chain Event in Telford
The NNA recently attended the NDA Supply Chain event in Telford, and it was a resounding success! The event was incredibly productive, providing a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with existing members and forge new connections and we are already looking forward to returning next year.
Members News
Prime Minister's visit marks new chapter for UKNNL
UKNNL welcomed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband to its Preston Laboratory on 6 February in what marks a defining moment for both UKNNL and the future of nuclear energy in Britain.
The high-profile visit, which was live streamed across Sky News, BBC, ITV, and Channel 4, included extensive tours of UKNNL’s facilities and an engaging Q&A session with staff. It coincided with the government's major announcement on its plans to streamline nuclear development across England and Wales. This new commitment to accelerating nuclear builds, including pathways for Small Modular Reactors, signals a step-change in the UK's approach to nuclear energy.
The timing of the visit comes shortly after the publication of UKNNL’s strategic review in December, which positions the UKNNL at the heart of Britain's nuclear ambitions, recognising its critical role in addressing global energy, climate, and security challenges. As the UK’s lead civil national laboratory for nuclear fission, UKNNL will be working more closely with government to drive forward the nation’s nuclear ambitions. UKNNL’s mission, clearly defined by the Review, is to enable and deliver nuclear outcomes for Government, and to support the growth of the entire UK nuclear sector.
Its closer alignment is visible through renaming as the United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) and the adoption of His Majesty’s Government’s (HMG) Royal Coat of Arms.
Prime Minister's visit to UKNNL Preston Laboratory
Sellafield
Three of Sellafield Risley based graduates and apprentices have won prestigious awards due to their hard-work and dedication to their roles.
Nathan Willis has won the highly prestigious Whitworth Scholarship Award from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and Whitworth Society.
Eleanor Hodgson received the Training & Development award at the Institution of Chemical Engineers 2024 Global Awards
Second year apprentice Elliot Andrews has been awarded the programme and project partners (PPP) Outstanding Contribution Award.
Sellafield said " We are immensely proud of their accomplishments. We look forward to welcoming more people on to our early careers programmes and seeing their careers flourish.” to read the full story follow the link below:
Charlotte Nichols - MP Warrington North backs nuclear industry at Parliament event
Quoting "New analysis from the Northern Nuclear Allianceshows that there are now 7,000 jobs in civil nuclear in Warrington, and I have been delighted to see such a strong showing from Warrington at all of the events including our amazing NDA graduates and apprentices with whom I was so pleased to meet.” read the full story here
NNA Member Dalton Nuclear Institutes celebrates their 20th Anniversary
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Dalton Nuclear Institute at The University of Manchester. There will be a series of events through the year to mark the occasion, starting with a special series of lectures – Dalton Expert Insights. The first of these, on the history of UK nuclear by Prof Juan Matthews, is available online to watch here. The next two – with focus on fuel and reprocessing, by Prof Tim Abram and Prof Fiona Rayment will be on 18 and 20 February respectively at 13:00, and NNA members are invited to book places (in person or online – but free in either case!) here for the fuel talk and here for reprocessing.
Dalton Nuclear Institute Director, Prof Zara Hodgson, and colleagues Prof Adrian Bull and Dr Will Bodel met with Energy Minister Lord Hunt during Nuclear Week in Parliament to discuss the latest Dalton Position Paper on the way advanced nuclear and renewables can complement one another. The paper can be downloaded here.
Dalton Nuclear Institute Director, Prof Zara Hodgson, and colleagues Prof Adrian Bull (NNA Leadership Team) and Dr Will Bodel met with
Energy Minister Lord Hunt
Labdesk partner with the ‘Northern Nuclear Alliance’ to help drive technology transformation for members.
The NNA recently had the pleasure of working with labdesk on their new IT & Security project and was thoroughly impressed with their service.
The team are professional, responsive, and went above and beyond to meet our needs including suggestions on a CRM system which has made a significant difference in our company, follow the link below to read the full article
As part of the partnership labdesk are offering discounts to all IT, Cyber Security (including Cyber Essentials) and Cloud services for all NNA members.
They are also offering free audits to NNA members. These include:
NNA Members Tenet recently announced their Degree Apprenticeship Scheme is now officially IET Accredited! 🎉 This prestigious recognition from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) reflects the exceptional quality of our apprenticeship programme and our commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers. It’s a testament to the hard work of our team and the robust structure of our scheme, which combines hands-on experience with academic learning, all designed to prepare future engineers for thriving careers in the nuclear and engineering industries. And there’s more – applications for our Degree Apprenticeship Scheme are now open! If you’re ready to launch your career in engineering, this is your chance to join an IET-accredited programme that offers unparalleled opportunities for growth, mentorship, and professional development. To apply, send your CV and cover letter detailing your preferred role to apprenticeships@tenetconsultants.co.uk.
🌟Applications close on 7th April 2025🌟
Members Feedback Questionnaire - last call !
We recently asked members to take a few minutes to complete our feedback survey. Your insights and suggestions will help us understand what we're doing well and where we can improve last call to take part NNA Members Feedback Survey
Membership Subscription
Renewal invoices have now been sent out, if you have any questions contact us.
Members News
If you have any news you would like to share please email Sarah
And finally hear from a Warrington Charity celebrating their 40th Anniversary
St. Rocco’s are celebrating their 40th Anniversary in 2025. For the past 4 decades, the hospice has been supporting the Warrington community, providing care for those with a diagnosis of any non-curable, life-limiting illness.
Their focus is on enhancing quality of life - providing comfort, pain management and emotional and spiritual support so that patients can live their remaining days with dignity, alongside their loved ones, and have their choices at the centre of their care.
It costs over £5 million a year to offer this care and support to those in the community who need it the most. To ensure this care continues, free of charge, St. Rocco’s rely heavily on the generosity of donations, fundraising and volunteering from those in the Warrington community. In May 2025, the hospice celebrates 40 years of caring for Warrington, and they are taking the opportunity to invite the business community in Warrington to collaborate and look ahead to the next 40 years of care in Warrington.
Throughout 2025, the hospice will be working with several businesses who will be taking on a whole host of challenge events, fundraising activities and volunteering opportunities all in aid of St. Rocco’s Hospice. If you’d like to support your local hospice, work with them to meet your CSR goals, and make every day count for those affected with a life limiting illness, get in touch with their Corporate Partnerships Manager Liam – liamdurkan@stroccos.org.uk
