GRANTS are available to smaller manufacturers in the Bradford area looking to win lucrative work in the civil nuclear sector.

Funding of around £10,000 each is available to local companies wanting to meet industry standards and compete for work. It is part of a £1.5 million boost unveiled by Fit For Nuclear, developed by Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and delivered with the Manufacturing Advisory Service.

More than 5,000 small and medium firms are needed to ensure the UK has capacity to meet its £60 billion civil new build programme and multi-billion contracts to decommission nuclear power stations.

Bradford manufacturers employing ten or more, with sales of more than £1.6 million can apply.

Mike Tynan, Nuclear AMRC chief executive, said: “Smaller manufacturers have a vital role to play in civil nuclear, if they can meet the standards demanded by the industry’s top tier. To win work, Bradford companies need to make sure they have the ability to meet safety, quality and cost standards and can demonstrate their specialist capabilities can deliver value to clients.

“We created Fit For Nuclear to help manufacturers close any gaps in performance and this new funding will provide vital support.” Firms can improve manufacturing processes, factory layout, bid writing, training plans and strategy. All projects to complete by March 31, 2016, with firms urged to apply early.

Steven Barr, head of MAS, said: “Almost 200 businesses have already embarked on Fit For Nuclear and more than 75 per cent recorded immediate tangible bottom-line benefits.This is just the start. Get in touch and one of our assessors will guide them.” Visit fitfornuclear.co.uk or contact 0207 728 3026.