Twelve businesses in North East Scotland have been selected to participate in the latest cohort of the award-winning Fit For Offshore Renewables (F4OR) supply chain support programme. The initiative is aimed at helping companies either enter the offshore renewable energy sector, expand their existing presence, or transition from other industries such as oil and gas.
Delivered by Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, the F4OR programme has supported more than 150 companies in the past five years. These companies, on average, have seen a 28% increase in turnover after securing new contracts, many of which have gone on to become leading suppliers in the offshore wind sector.
The fifth regional F4OR programme, exclusively for businesses based in North East Scotland, is funded by the Energy Transition Zone (ETZ Ltd) and includes firms from Aberdeen, Dyce, and Bridge of Don. The selected companies span a range of expertise, including engineering, surveying, marine geophysics, offshore inspection, project management, digital solutions, equipment hire, industrial consumables, and non-weld piping.
Dr. Davood Sabaei, F4OR Project Manager at ORE Catapult, said: “The North East of Scotland is home to a wealth of skills and expertise honed servicing the UK and international energy markets. We are therefore pleased to welcome this new cohort of ambitious companies who have set their sights on succeeding in the offshore renewable energy sector and becoming part of a world-class supply chain.”
Sabaei added that over the next 18 months, these companies will receive tailored support from a network of specialist advisers to help them navigate the offshore renewable energy supply chain and secure new business opportunities.
Freda Miller, Supply Chain Programme Manager at ETZ Ltd, emphasized the programme's role in supporting local businesses. “ETZ Ltd is proud to support a fifth cohort of companies from the North East of Scotland on the F4OR programme, helping them build the skills and capabilities needed to succeed in offshore renewables,” Miller said. “This programme equips companies with the practical tools and insights to secure opportunities in this growing sector, strengthening the region's role as a clean energy catalyst.”
David Scalley, Managing Director at AJT Engineering, shared the positive impact the programme has had on his business, stating: “Our participation in the F4OR North East Scotland programme has been transformative for AJT Engineering's business operations. The structured approach provided by ORE Catapult delivered invaluable insights into the specific requirements of the offshore renewables sector and helped us identify strategic improvements to our processes and capabilities. This has directly translated into new business opportunities and stronger relationships with key industry players in the renewables sector.”
The F4OR programme is part of ETZ Ltd's Pathway and Challenge Fund support initiative, which includes capital investment grants to help North East Scotland energy supply chain companies achieve their low-carbon business goals. The F4OR programme, which runs for 12-18 months, has seen widespread success across the UK since its launch in 2019, with past programmes delivered in various regions including North East England, Caithness and Orkney, and the Scottish Islands.
