UK SMR PROGRAMME

Bestmind UK supported Deloitte LLP in delivering client-side procurement and sourcing for the Owner’s Scope of the UK Small Modular Reactor (SMR) programme, during a key phase of the national technology selection process led by Great British Energy – Nuclear, the UK public body responsible for new nuclear development.

Bestmind’s role focused on defining a focused, structured, practical and implementable approach for the Civils scope and Owner’s Scope areas, understanding the key interface risks, defining early scope of activities, whilst ensuring a clear programme to deliver the client’s direct scope areas of responsibility.

The assignment included support in developing the procurement strategy for engagement with the supplier market, structuring the sourcing strategy, setting up the tender packages, and defining a framework geared towards the future mobilisation of the programme. Utilising key experience in major nuclear programmes and civil works. Whilst ensuring clear compliance with the Public Procurement Regulations.

Bestmind’s contribution was delivered within a highly regulated and strategically important environment, where procurement decisions must align not only with tendering and delivery objectives, but also with technical requirements, project interfaces and the applicable regulatory framework.

The growing interest in Small Modular Reactors reflects the need for cleaner, safer and more scalable energy solutions than conventional models can offer. In this context, SMRs represent a potential response to some of the nuclear sector’s long-standing challenges, thanks to their greater flexibility and their ability to support not only electricity generation, but also district heating, desalination, hydrogen production and a range of industrial applications.

Project team coordination was led by Simon O’Connor, CEO of Bestmind UK & Northern Europe.