Applications are open for a national programme that aims to help businesses secure contracts in the offshore wind sector.

Fit For Offshore Renewables (F4OR), run by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, is designed to support the development of an increasingly competent, capable and competitive UK offshore renewable energy supply chain. 

Since 2019, more than 132 companies have been supported through the programme.

Applications for the 2024 programme opened on Wednesday, October 16 with submissions accepted until Wednesday, November 6. 

The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) will sponsor a national cohort of companies aspiring to prove they are ready to tender and win offshore wind contracts.

It is only the second time sponsored F4OR places have been offered to companies UK-wide.

The programme builds upon 10 previous successful regional and national initiatives focused on helping the UK supply chain prepare to bid for work in the offshore renewable energy sector.

Companies completing past F4OR programmes have experienced an average 28pc increase in turnover, with many securing new contracts.

Participating companies undergo a rigorous evaluation process to assess aspects of the business including health and safety standards, environmental sustainability practices, project management capabilities and financial stability, as well as their applicability to the renewable energy market.

A blend of fully-funded and partially-funded places will be awarded. ISO 9001 quality management accreditation – whether achieved or in progress – will be mandatory for medium and large companies applying to take part.

Davood Sabaei, F4OR programme manager at ORE Catapult, said: “The UK has forged an enviable reputation for consistent engineering excellence and product innovation and the F4OR programme provides an ideal route for companies with the right combination of key skills, expertise and leadership to make the transition to the renewable energy sector.

“We are grateful to the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership for partnering with us in this latest programme which will further support the clean energy transition by boosting the UK’s energy supply chain, help accelerate the growth in offshore renewable energy and progress our net zero ambitions.”

Anil Sayhan, OWGP programme director, said: “We are delighted to partner with ORE Catapult to launch this UK national Fit for Offshore Renewables programme which aims to empower companies to acquire the requisite skills to improve their tender readiness as they seek to enter or grow in the UK’s fast-growing offshore wind market.

“The F4OR programme resonates with our mission to support a globally-competitive UK supply chain – driving revenue growth, generating skilled jobs, increasing export opportunities and developing valuable UK intellectual property.”

For more information on the F4OR programme and to submit an expression of interest, click here.

A F4OR national briefing webinar will take place on Thursday, October 24. Click here for more information and to sign up.