How NOF are championing net zero in the North East

Energy transition projects across the North East are leading the way when it comes to progressing net zero and renewable energy in the UK.

Here at NRL we’ve delivered engineering workforce solutions to our North East clients since we opened our first regional office in 1990. Over the decades our presence has expanded to three regional branches, in Sunderland, Teesside and Blyth. Our teams support energy providers and engineering companies to secure the skills needed to bring their projects to life.

Continuing to grow our presence in the North East

This means we’re justifiably proud of our involvement in the region’s significant net zero growth, and it’s something we’re passionate about supporting. To ensure we’re able to develop robust future talent plans for our clients, we draw upon the specialist expertise of NOF , a UK wide business development membership organisation who help the energy sector forge valuable partnerships.

As NRL’s North East Regional Director Emma Lowden explains, the support NOF provides is invaluable.

“The NOF team have a real skill for being able to identify those markets and regions across the UK that hold the key to progressing net zero goals. Particularly in the North East we find their membership services invaluable, whether that’s facilitating introductions across the energy supply chain, or the events they hold that bring all the right people into the room to provide comprehensive insight into regional projects and renewable energy sectors. Having been members for 6 years now, we always get a great deal of value when we work with NOF.”

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Connecting the UK’s energy sector to support future growth

NOF have been supporting the energy sector since 1988, helping to facilitate conversations up and down the supply chain to progress new energy sectors and support the net zero transition.

What makes them unique is that they’re a not-for-profit organisation, for the NOF team it’s all about shaping the energy sector by ensuring their members have opportunities to grow their businesses by delivering market insight and sector knowledge. Chief Executive Joanne Leng MBE?took time out to chat to us for this issue of Net Zero News.

What value do you place on relationship building to support business growth?

Building relationships across the energy sector is something NOF does every single day, as the relationships we build ultimately benefit our members. I cannot stress enough the importance of relationship building, whether that be with our members or other industry stakeholders such as our Strategic Partners, the big buyers working across the energy sector.

NOF is extremely active in the North East, as a local business how do you feel about the recent net zero growth in projects and expertise?

Investment in North East England’s energy sector is at an all-time high with most of the investment focussed on net zero and energy transition. NOF plays a key role by ensuring these investors with significant projects understand the full capability of the regional supply chain, ensure they focus on local content when placing contracts and importantly engage at an early stage so businesses can have the confidence in the project pipeline and where they may fit.

What advice would you give a business considering diversifying to benefit from the energy transition?

Perseverance is key, some projects are in the early stages of planning, take on a balanced mindset when looking at short term, medium term and long-term opportunities. All are important but the key is making sure the project developers are aware of your business and what offer; this is where NOF can help to raise your profile and introduce you to the right people

Tell us about what success looks like for NOF?

That’s a simple one, our members success is our success.

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Did you know?

The NRL team exhibit at various NOF events throughout the year, including the ever-popular OWNE – Offshore Wind North East Event . OWNE 2024 takes place 6-7th November at Sunderland’s Beacon of Light and explores opportunities within the offshore wind sector, across the UK as well as within the region. A busy roster of speakers includes industry experts, and companies who are actively involved in offshore wind projects, facilitating conversations that benefit the entire supply chain.

Contact our Sunderland team if you’d like to connect at OWNE 2024 or arrange a meeting to discuss your regional growth plans.