The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) has unveiled a new round of funding worth between £300,000 and £25 million per project, aimed at supporting key investment priorities outlined in the Industrial Growth Plan.

This latest programme is backed by the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) through its Industrial Growth Fund, which pools contributions from developer members across the sector.

“I am delighted to announce our first funding call under OWIC’s Industrial Growth Fund,” said Tim Pick, Chair of the OWGP and Commissioner of the Clean Power 2030 Advisory Commission.
“This marks a step change in the scale of funding OWGP is deploying as we deliver on the ambitions of the Industrial Growth Plan.”

Since its launch in 2019, OWGP—an initiative supported by both industry and government—has helped deliver more than 380 projects, enhancing the capacity and competitiveness of the UK offshore wind supply chain.

The Industrial Growth Fund represents a new and expanded phase of this work, designed to help businesses build or scale facilities that strengthen the UK’s domestic manufacturing base. Investment priorities include the production of turbine blades, cables, and foundations, alongside innovation in environmental services and operations and maintenance (O&M) technologies.

“Through this funding initiative, OWGP is enabling UK companies to make the strategic investments needed to grow home-grown supply chains, enhance resilience, create high-value jobs, and ensure the UK remains a global leader in offshore wind technology,” said Anil Sayhan, OWGP Programme Director.

Under the Contracts for Difference (CfD) Allocation Round 7 Clean Industry Bonus framework, participating generators can nominate OWGP to deliver part of their CIB minimum standard commitments. Supply chain projects that meet the CIB criteria—as well as those that do not—are eligible to apply for support.

“The launch of the first round of the Industrial Growth Fund is a landmark moment for the UK’s world-leading offshore wind sector,” added Jane Cooper, Deputy CEO of RenewableUK and OWGP Board Member.
“It will stimulate the creation of dynamic, innovative supply chains across the country—building on the hundreds of companies already thriving in this sector—and bring tangible benefits to communities through industrial regeneration and new opportunities.”

Many of us were moved by the story of Tom Boyd, a 28-year-old with severe autism who volunteered at Waitrose in Cheadle Hulme for four years — more than 600 hours of loyal service.

With the help of a support worker, Tom loved his role and the community it gave him. When his mother, Frances, asked if he might receive a few paid hours for his commitment, the response was devastating: instead of recognising his dedication, Waitrose ended his volunteer placement.
Thankfully, Asda stepped in, offering Tom two paid shifts each week with the support he needs. Their response showed what inclusion looks like when it’s backed by empathy and action.

Why this story matters:

Tom’s experience highlights a truth many organisations overlook: people with disabilities don’t seek sympathy — they seek opportunity. Paid work is about dignity, fairness, and belonging.

This case also exposes a broader issue — the gap between “volunteering” and real employment for neurodivergent individuals. When someone clearly contributes, we must ask: are we rewarding that effort fairly?

What businesses can learn?

Create clear paths from volunteering to paid work. Long-term unpaid roles can feel exploitative, even if well-intentioned.

Adapt roles to individual needs. Tom thrived with structured hours and a support worker — small adjustments, big results.

Communicate with compassion. Decisions made without empathy can undo years of good work at the local level.

Celebrate success stories. Asda’s response shows inclusion and business sense aren’t opposites.

A call to leaders:

Tom’s story is a mirror for every employer: inclusion is more than policy - it’s personal. Real inclusion means asking, “How can we help this person succeed here?”

Let’s make sure no one who gives their time, heart, and effort ever feels invisible again.

George King, 13 October 2025

The team behind the Sizewell C nuclear power plant, set to be built near Leiston in Suffolk, has signed two landmark low-carbon fuel agreements, which project leaders are calling "a defining moment" for the UK's energy security.

Sizewell C has secured a six-year uranium supply contract with Urenco, along with a long-term fuel fabrication agreement with Framatome. Urenco will provide natural uranium, which will then be enriched at its facility in Chester. Following this, Framatome will convert the enriched uranium into fuel pellets, which are used to form fuel assemblies for the plant’s reactors.

These partnerships are expected to create and sustain thousands of jobs within the nuclear industry while reducing the plant’s dependence on imported fuel.

Julia Pyke and Nigel Cann, the joint managing directors of Sizewell C, expressed their excitement, stating: "These two contracts are pivotal moments for Sizewell C and for the future of energy security in the UK. The fuel for our reactors will be low-carbon and primarily sourced from Britain, produced by skilled local workers. This marks a new approach to infrastructure and places the UK’s energy security and nuclear supply chain on much stronger footing."

With an estimated cost of £38 billion, Sizewell C will provide electricity to up to six million homes for over 60 years, with operations expected to begin in the 2030s. The project is expected to directly create 10,000 jobs, as well as thousands more across the supply chain, including 1,500 apprenticeships.

Notably, around 1,000 of these jobs will be based at Urenco’s uranium enrichment site in Capenhurst, near Chester. Meanwhile, the partnership with Framatome will initially see fuel fabrication taking place at its factory in Romans, France, until a new UK-based facility is completed, further contributing to job creation.

Sizewell C has also emphasized that 90% of the project’s total construction value will be delivered to UK businesses, bolstering the nation's economy.

Lord Patrick Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, praised the government’s support for Sizewell C as part of the “new golden age of nuclear.” He added: "These contracts not only reduce our reliance on imported fuel but also support 1,000 highly skilled jobs and bring vital investment into Cheshire. Our clean energy agenda is about enhancing energy security while building robust, homegrown supply chains to boost jobs and economic growth."

This move marks a significant step forward in strengthening the UK's energy infrastructure and ensuring long-term sustainability for the nation’s power needs.