Eleven businesses from South Wales have been selected to participate in the Fit For Offshore Renewables (F4OR) programme, a UK initiative designed to prepare firms for opportunities in the offshore wind sector.
The programme, delivered by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, aims to support companies looking to enter or expand within the offshore renewables market, including those transitioning from traditional energy sectors such as oil and gas.
This latest round, the third in Wales, is focused on the Swansea Bay region and jointly funded by the Crown Estate and the Swansea Bay City Deal Skills and Talent Programme. Partners include four local authorities — Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea — as well as regional universities and industry groups.
“As we look to grow and expand the roll out of offshore wind in the years to come, it’s vital that we help UK businesses develop the opportunities to tap into the economic potential this can bring,” said Dr Davood Sabaei, F4OR programme manager at ORE Catapult. “Successful completion of the F4OR programme will equip these businesses with the right combination of skills, expertise and leadership to capitalise on immense opportunities to win business, helping to create jobs and boost economic benefit in the region.”
The Celtic Sea is expected to play a significant role in the UK’s renewable energy targets, with up to 4.5 gigawatts (GW) of floating offshore wind capacity to be developed through the Crown Estate’s Offshore Wind Leasing Round 5. The leasing round is projected to support around 5,300 new jobs and contribute £1.4 billion to the national economy.
Rebecca Williams, director of devolved nations at the Crown Estate, said: “It’s fantastic to work in partnership with ORE Catapult and the Swansea Bay City Deal to support these ambitious businesses across South Wales. The Celtic Sea is set to play a vital role in the continuation of the UK’s exciting offshore wind story.”
The F4OR programme provides participating businesses with structured support in areas such as leadership, skills development, and quality standards. It is intended to help companies become competitive in the offshore wind supply chain both domestically and internationally.
Jane Lewis, regional learning and skills partnership manager at Carmarthenshire County Council, said the programme represents “a truly thrilling moment for businesses throughout the region, as they stand poised to lead the charge into an era of fresh opportunity.
