SME success with Sellafield

The Programme and Project Partners at Sellafield have awarded more than £3Bn worth of contracts since mobilising in 2019.

Working with over 200 suppliers across the UK, some 40% based in the North West, the company is proud to have almost 70% of suppliers from the SME bracket.

One such business is William King Construction, of Cleator Moor in West Cumbria, who will deliver masonry and internal fire door fit-out to the SIXEP Continuity Plant project on the Sellafield site.

The £2.6M contract is the family-run company’s third major contract win at Sellafield.

Although its foundations are in the housing and building trade, the company has successfully diversified into high hazard reduction in the nuclear industry.

And it’s providing a blueprint for other small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to fine-tune their offering for a new and thriving sector.

Will King, founder and managing of William King Construction Ltd, said: “My wife Lisa and I started the business from scratch in 2008.

“We received a grant from the Cumbria Growth Hub after taking part in a week-long business course. We started out with a van and an apprentice!

“For a local SME like ourselves, it’s a privilege to win work on these important infrastructure projects at Sellafield.

“With our ever-growing order book, and having secured work for the coming years, we’re able to widen our recruitment to include low academic achievers, providing routes into rewarding employment.

“The ultimate goal is to support individuals to enrol on an apprenticeship with the local college. We will continue to add to the team in readiness for future projects and contracts.”

Peter Hogg, head of supply chain for the Programme and Project Partners, said: “We’re pleased to home-grown companies like William King Construction win work on such important projects.

“It is an integral part of the Programme and Project Partners model to expand our supply chain and cascade opportunities to the local economy, boosting employment in the region.

“We are proud to be part of helping develop this Cumbrian SME and enhance recruitment opportunities in the area.”

Luke Richardson, head of social impact for the Programme and Project Partners, said: “It’s great to see yet another example of a local business working as part of our partnership.

“The team at William King Construction offer a great apprenticeship scheme. They are also champions of local homelessness charity Calderwood House, working with residents of the hostel to secure employment.”

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