Last updated at 11:42, Tuesday, 21 February 2012

CUMBRIA’S energy cluster group has made a milestone agreement.

Representatives of Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) signed a memorandum of agreement between the group and the national Nuclear Industry Association (NIA).

The signing is seen as a milestone in the development of the cluster as the voice of Cumbria’s nuclear sector and its supply chain.

Jonathan Marshall, chairman of the cluster, and Phil Jardine, its business development director, met Keith Parker, chief executive of NIA and his colleagues.

They agreed to a reciprocal arrangement which gives Cumbria’s nuclear sector direct input to the latest civil nuclear industry information, representation and consultation at a national and international level.

Mr Jardine said: “The business cluster now has over 170 member companies, from the biggest nuclear organisations and top-tier contractors, to smaller Cumbrian SME suppliers and professional advisers.

“We were set up in 2003 to give these companies a voice and to enable them to work together as effectively as possible, making the most of the job and wealth creation opportunities in Cumbria from a changing nuclear sector.

“This agreement will enable us to give our members the benefits of involvement with NIA and also give NIA an efficient route into the Cumbrian organisations that are making a difference.”

Mr Parker signed the agreement on behalf of NIA, and said: “We are delighted that the business cluster will now be working closely with the NIA to promote Cumbria as a nuclear hub.

“The support that BECBC offers to its 170 members is invaluable in encouraging their ongoing strength in the industry and the wider region. The varied opportunities in nuclear new build, decommissioning, and the running of Britain’s nuclear fleet will ensure Cumbria continues to prosper as a nuclear community, bringing employment and investment to the local and national economies.”

Mr Marshall sees the relationship with NIA as a significant milestone for BECBC and said: “Cumbria and Cumbrian businesses have a huge part to play in UK energy policy and practice.

“There is great expertise on Britain’s Energy Coast that should be shared and there are opportunities here to create a skilled workforce for the UK sector and beyond.

“This agreement is a foundation for members of the Business Cluster to contribute to national debate and to benefit from the wider investment and growth that is coming in the decade ahead.”

First published at 13:28, Thursday, 09 February 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk