The first national F4OR Programme, delivered by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult and funded by the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP), is now underway - supporting businesses across the UK as they prepare to bid for work in the offshore wind sector. 

The 14 successful companies will go through the rigorous 12-18 month programme, focusing on improving business operations and sector competence. It will prepare them to compete for and secure contracts at UK offshore wind farms by making them more attractive to offshore renewables project developers. 

Andrew Macdonald, OWGP Programme Director said: 
"Increased targets for offshore wind deployment to meet Net Zero and Energy Security commitments requires a rapid growth in the UK supply chain. Developers and turbine OEMs need confidence that the supply chain is ready to deliver high quality products and services on time and at a competitive price. The F4OR programme gives companies the knowledge and skills to succeed and companies that have been granted F4OR status are recognised as ready to deliver in the offshore wind sector. The latest national cohort for the F4OR programme has been through a rigorous selection process and I look forward to seeing them turn this potential into commercial success in the offshore wind sector.”

The national F4OR programme builds on the success of the regional F4OR programmes, delivered across the UK by ORE Catapult and its partners, Nuclear AMRC and Opergy. It brings the total number of companies supported through the programme to 88, with 38 companies already achieving the coveted F4OR Granted status. Companies in the F4OR programme typically see an increase in turnover of almost 23%, and job creation increases by 13%. 

The recent ScotWind leasing round requires that, at bid stage, developers commit to 25% local content in their projects, up from 10% originally, making it more vital than ever to develop the skills, capability, and experience of the regional supply chain, to deliver UK content to offshore wind projects, and meet the UK Government’s levelling up agenda.

The initiative received over 50 expressions of interest before the 14 winning companies were finally selected.

Andrew Stormonth-Darling, F4OR Programme Manager for ORE Catapult added: 
"These companies have all demonstrated from the outset that they have the right attitude and are committed to do what it takes to see the programme through. Completing the F4OR journey is no mean feat, but I firmly believe they have what it takes, and I wish them every success. At a time when UK supply chain is in more demand than ever, I look forward to seeing what sort of mark they make as they enter or grow in the offshore renewables market.”

The intermediate level F4OR programme complements an existing suite of business transformation programmes developed and delivered by OWGP and partner organisations, including the Wind Expert Support Toolkit (WEST), a foundation engagement activity, and the advanced Sharing in Growth Offshore Wind Programme.

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: ORE Catapult