Strong attendance and quality engagement at Spiorad na Mara supply chain event

Over 40 people – the majority representing businesses from Lewis and the wider Outer Hebrides – attended a local supply chain event hosted by the proposed Spiorad na Mara offshore wind project in Stornoway last week.

At the breakfast event, information was shared on the estimated project timeline and where procurement activities sit within this; the main contracting packages and the range of subcontracting packages that are likely to arise from these; and next steps on the project. Details were also shared of the typical pre-qualification requirements to compete for such contracts and advice on how local businesses can prepare.

Following the presentation, there was a panel discussion and questions and answers session involving Project Director Martin Whyte and Procurement Manager Neil Carthy, plus Sophie Pacitti of Scottish Renewables; Natalie Campbell of Highlands and Islands Enterprise; Amy Peters of the Supplier Development Programme, and John Best of ORE Catapult. All four support agencies and the project also held a series of 1-2-1 meetings with the businesses in attendance, responding to more specific questions and – in the case of the support agencies – offering information and guidance on what supports are available to local businesses to help them get ready for the opportunities that will come from the project, should it go ahead.

Martin Whyte, Spiorad na Mara’s Project Director, described it as a very positive start to what he hopes will be a long-term relationship.

“We were very pleased with how the event went and the range and quality of the conversations we had with local businesses. It’s clear that there is great capability in the local supply chain and a real eagerness to be part of the delivery of renewable energy projects on and around the islands.

“The aim of this event was to start a dialogue with local businesses, share as much information as we could at this stage and hear from them about their needs, challenges and perspectives. This was just a first step and the feedback we gathered at the event, and through the follow-up survey we circulated, will shape the work we do with the local supply chain in 2027 and beyond. This will be an ongoing relationship in the years ahead and we look forward to building on what was a very positive start last week,” he said.

He also thanked the support agencies for the contribution they made to the success of the event. “Having representatives of HIE, Scottish Renewables, the Supplier Development Programme and ORE Catapult in the room was invaluable. They all brought different expertise and insights, which the businesses found very worthwhile, and we are grateful to them for their support at the event.”

Stornoway-based Natalie Campbell, Head of Enterprise Support for HIE Innse Gall, was encouraged by the level and nature of the engagement from local businesses.

“The event provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the breadth of expertise, experience and ambition that exists across the Outer Hebridean businesses. Businesses across the islands already deliver high-quality products and services in a range of sectors and have demonstrated their ability to adapt, innovate and compete in demanding markets. It was encouraging to see strong engagement from local companies keen to better understand potential future opportunities and make connections with industry partners and support organisations. HIE is committed to supporting the continued growth and competitiveness of the local supply chain, helping businesses build on their existing strengths and ensuring they are well positioned to pursue opportunities as and when they arise”.

A short report on the event, summarising feedback from those attended and identifying next steps in the project’s supply chain engagement journey, will be completed in the coming weeks and shared with all who attended and all who have registered with the project through its Supply Chain Portal, which is available at www.spioradnamara.co.uk. Those who have not yet registered are encouraged to do so via the form on the website.