A MAJOR conference held in Bridgwater will give companies vital insight into doing business in the nuclear sector in both the UK and overseas.

The Nuclear South West Showcase and Conference ‘#NSW19’ will shine a light on current and future opportunities in new build, decommissioning, defence and new technologies.

Industry leaders will give updates on opportunities at the two-day conference, taking place on October 2 and 3, while attendees will also have the opportunity to find out more about how the region is driving innovation within the sector.

Discussions will cover Hinkley C, four sites being decommissioned and the development of new technologies for small modular reactors.

Enterprise Europe Network and Nuclear South West are working in partnership to offer a dedicated ‘matchmaking’ event.

A spokesman for Nuclear South West said; "These free networking sessions, with senior industry representatives, offer the chance for those attending to engage in one-to-one meetings with key people from companies, universities and public authorities across the different supply chains."

Nuclear South West chairman Matt Burley said: “This event is a great opportunity to connect with existing opportunities in the UK nuclear sector, giving those who attend chance to showcase their capabilities to potential customers and learn about the future direction of nuclear in the UK.

“There continues to be huge opportunities for UK and international companies that want to be part of the UK nuclear supply chain, many of which are located in the South West of England.”

The event will get underway with the 'Showcase', where highlights include the opportunity to visit Hinkley C and view a number of company demonstrations focusing on the sector’s use of augmented reality and robotics at the National College for Nuclear in Cannington.

The Nuclear South West spokesman said: "The main conference on Thursday, October 3, hosted at the McMillan Theatre will detail how projects can positively impact the growth of the UK’s nuclear industry and how this plays a significant role in supporting the region’s economy.

"There is an estimated £50bn of opportunities within the Nuclear South West cluster - through investment, innovation and creating high skilled jobs."

Industry speakers include Professor Tom Scott, director of South West Nuclear Hub who will focus on ‘Making the South West a Centre for Advanced Nuclear Technologies’ and Alan Cumming, nuclear operations director for the NDA, who will provide an update on decommissioning. Presenting on the opportunities of winning UK business and export will be Andy Storer, CEO of NAMRC (Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre) and Tom Greatrex, CEO of THE Nuclear Industry Association (NIA).

For more information about the #NSW19 conference, visit https://nuclearsouthwest.co.uk/events/2019/9/2/nuclear-south-west-conference-2019