Reflections from the NIA New Build & Existing Generation Meeting in Cardiff
Nuclear South West joined more than 160 delegates in Cardiff for the Nuclear Industry Association’s New Build & Existing Generation Business Group meeting – the largest gathering of its kind to date. Hosted at Cornerstone, the event brought together developers, Tier 1s, SMEs, regional partners and new entrants exploring opportunities across the UK’s growing nuclear programme.
The agenda was packed from the outset, with opening remarks from Sophie Macfarlane‑Smith, Chair of the New Build Group, setting the tone for a day focused on delivery, capability and the scale of opportunity emerging across new build.
Key Themes from the Day
The scale of opportunity across UK new build. Speakers from Sizewell C, Hinkley Point C, Rolls‑Royce SMR and GBE‑N outlined the momentum building across multiple programmes.
- Sizewell C provided an update on progress towards financial close, led by Joe Rippon, Deputy Treasury Director .
- GBE‑N shared insights on mobilisation and next steps for the Integrated Project Team, presented by Tom Whitehead .
- Rolls‑Royce SMR discussed progress towards fleet deployment, with Rich Everett, Group Head of Supply Chain, highlighting the growing industrial opportunity for UK suppliers .
Lessons learned and next‑phase opportunities
A candid session from Hinkley Point C, delivered by Kelly Loft and Jack Greening, explored supply chain lessons and the opportunities emerging as the project moves into new phases of delivery. The emphasis on replication, industrialisation and proportionate licensing echoed strongly throughout the day.
Opening the door wider for UK businesses
There was a clear push to broaden participation, particularly for SMEs. Presentations from LTI Vessco, Framatome, Amentum, Egis‑Group, Mott MacDonald and WSP showcased practical pathways for suppliers to enter or scale within the civil nuclear market, including examples of successful SME breakthroughs such as LTI Vessco’s journey into nuclear engagement.
Why These Conversations Matter
Across the day, one theme stood out: alignment across the supply chain will define the UK’s ability to deliver at pace.
- Developers need clarity and consistency.
- Tier 1s need confidence in capability and capacity.
- SMEs need visibility, access and proportionate routes to qualification.
- Regions need to understand where to invest to maximise economic impact.
Sessions like this create the shared understanding required to move from ambition to delivery and to ensure that the benefits of new nuclear are felt across the UK.
Continuing the Conversation: St David’s Day Dinner
The day concluded with the Wales Nuclear Forum St David’s Day Dinner, offering an opportunity to continue discussions and strengthen relationships across the Welsh nuclear community. The event brought together industry leaders, supply chain representatives and regional partners, a fitting close to a day centred on collaboration and shared purpose.