Hutchinson successfully secures funding from The Crown Estate through its innovative Supply Chain Accelerator

Hutchinson has successfully secured funding from The Crown Estate through the initial round of its innovative Supply Chain Accelerator (“the Accelerator”).

This Matched funding will help Hutchinson improve its production capabilities to support key target areas in the Industrial Growth Plan, such as Industrialised foundations and substructures. The project will focus on providing steel products and structures for floating offshore wind (FLOW) platforms, anchoring systems, and related infrastructure. By using our expertise and working with our wider collaboration group, we aim to boost innovation and growth in the UK offshore wind supply chain.

Established in May, the Accelerator is a £50m fund created to accelerate and de-risk the early-stage development of UK supply chain projects that service the offshore wind sector.

In early 2024, The Crown Estate published the Celtic Sea Blueprint which predicted that 5,300 jobs and a £1.4bn economic boost could be generated through deploying the first floating offshore wind capacity, that will result from the current Leasing Round 5 process, in the waters off South Wales and South-West England.

The research highlighted a number of opportunities for supply chain growth essential for the development of these floating wind farms, including: floating platform components; dynamic cables and connections; wet storage infrastructure and facilities; operations and management infrastructure and facilities; and skills transition facilities.

The Crown Estate’s role is to create long-term value for the country, and it focuses on using the land and seabed it manages to help catalyse net zero, restore nature, create thriving communities and drive economic growth.

Will Apps, Offshore Wind Strategy Director at The Crown Estate, said:

“It’s fantastic to announce the successful organisations receiving funding through our Supply Chain Accelerator. We’ve been encouraged by the level of interest the Accelerator has generated in the market and are delighted with the calibre and range of projects which we’ll be supporting.”

“The purpose of the Accelerator is to help grow and nurture the UK’s domestic supply chain, a crucial factor if the UK is to realise the potential of offshore wind in delivering its ambitious clean power and net zero goals, contributing to jobs and prosperity in communities across the UK.”

Steve Adams, Managing Director at Hutchinson, said:

“We feel honoured to have been selected by The Crown Estate as part of their Supply Chain Accelerator initiative. This funding marks a significant milestone in our journey to expand our offshore wind capabilities, particularly in relation to FLOW and the Celtic Sea opportunities. It also complements our ongoing business improvement initiatives supported by OWGP, positioning us to provide competitive, high-quality steel structures and products for the UK market.”

“This initiative fosters collaboration across the supply chain, focusing on achieving the Industrial Growth Plan’s objectives for industrialised foundations and substructures. We’re excited to explore the opportunities ahead and contribute to the UK’s offshore wind sector’s growth.”

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