Session Overview: Join us for ‘Opportunities in Nuclear Supply Chains’, where our panel of industry leaders share insights and strategies for SMEs to thrive in the dynamic UK nuclear sector. Learn about collaboration opportunities, emerging trends, and how to navigate this vital supply chain for sustainable growth.
Why Attend? Don’t miss this chance to connect with top industry experts and discover how your SME can capitalize on the booming nuclear sector. Gain invaluable knowledge and network with key players through Make UK Defence and position your business for success in an evolving landscape. Energise your business prospects!
What to Expect: Expect an engaging panel discussion filled with practical advice, real-world success stories, and a Q&A session. Attendees will leave with actionable insights, valuable contacts, and a deeper understanding of how to effectively engage with the nuclear supply chain. Ignite your opportunities today!
Check out the Make UK Defence 2024 breakout session using the following link – Make UK Conf 24 Breakout Defence (youtube.com)
Andrew Kinniburgh, Director-General, Make UK Defence
Andrew Kinniburgh is Director-General of Make UK Defence, the Defence Trade Association belonging to Make UK – the Manufacturers’ Organisation. Andrew joined Make UK in 2019 from the Cabinet Office where he was Wider Government Engagement Lead for the Government Commercial Organisation, following a 25 year career in the defence and security industry. He spent nearly 10 years with Serco Defence, followed by senior appointments with Smiths Detection and two Ministry of Defence trading funds and a 7 year spell as an independent consultant. He holds a BA in Business from Heriot-Watt University and an MSc in International Defence Marketing from Cranfield University / UK Defence Academy. Andrew has been involved with Defence Ministries and businesses in the Defence and Security sectors across most European countries and in North America, as well as the UK. Make UK Defence represents 300 UK Defence Suppliers ranging from SMEs and mid tiers, to major Primes and is the lead Trade Association for the MOD’s Defence Suppliers Forum SME Working Group.
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive, Nuclear Industries Association
Tom Greatrex became Chief Executive of the NIA in 2016. Formerly Member of Parliament for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, Tom was shadow energy minister from 2011 – 2015 and served as a member of the Energy Select Committee from 2010 and from 2007-2010 was a policy adviser in the Scotland Office, including on energy.
In a varied prior career, he was a Director of Corporate Affairs for the NHS in Scotland, a chief officer in local government and a GMB trade union official in England. Outside of work his main interests are family, football (Fulham) and film. He is a member of the FA Council, the governing body of English football, vice-chair of the Football Supporters’ Association and a school governor.
Vince Middleton OBE CEng, Chairman, Nuclear Energy Components Ltd
NEC has been involved in the Nuclear industry continuously since the early 1950’s, and has also over the decades been involved in numerous defence related projects.
Vince started with Newburgh after graduating in 1984 and worked in all areas of the business. Since becoming a Director in 1990 and Managing Director in 1996 Vince has guided the business through significant structural and cultural change.
In 2018 he, and the other directors, acquired the business and created Nuclear Energy Components Limited, where he acts as Chairman of the board.
Alongside this career Vince has been involved in a number of small business start-ups and large organisations.
Scott Milburn, Business Development Manager, Darchem
Scott is a business development manager for Darchem Engineering’s Nuclear division. After obtaining a degree in Business Management from Teesside University he moved into the Oil & Gas and Offshore Wind industries, and now focusses on the development of Darchem’s Nuclear division. Scott is passionate about manufacturing in the North East, building upon he North East’s manufacturing heritage, and keen to develop Darchem’s manufacturing capabilities within the Nuclear sector.
Nathan Steele, Head of Programme, ASTRAEA
Nathan has worked in Aerospace and Defence for over 15 years, leading complex system engineering programmes for the Ministry of Defence and Tier 1 commercial businesses.
Nathan started his career in the Royal Navy, attending Dartmouth Royal Naval College in 2008. He joined Lionbridge after leaving the Royal Navy to work on Rolls Royce’s Civil Large Engine new programmes. Nathan joined Cobham in 2016 working as their Global PMO Director, working on complex systems engineering programmes in weapons carriage and release, air-to-air refuelling, and telecommunications, before joining AWE.