Aiming to bolster connections within Cumbria’s nuclear supply chain and beyond, Britain’s Energy Coast’s Business Cluster (BECBC) has announced two appointments to its nuclear sector group.

Emma-Jayne Gooch, CEO of Plain Purpose, has taken up the mantle as the new chair, while Alex Scott, senior commercial manager at Mammoet, is stepping into a newly created position as the group’s regional representative.

BECBC, with more than two decades of facilitating effective business collaborations, is a business networking organisation based in Cumbria.

The recent appointments align with the network's strategy for the new financial year and aim to expand the value of its membership further.

New chair Emma-Jayne GoochNew chair Emma-Jayne Gooch (Image: BECBC)

BECBC's nuclear sector group, intended to bolster member organisations within the nuclear industry, benefits from Cumbria's rich nuclear heritage.

Ms Gooch brings extensive experience to her new role, having previously acted as the head of supply chain development and innovation at Sellafield Ltd, where she was involved in initiatives such as writing the company’s first SME Strategy and organising supply chain events.

After she officially took up the baton from John McGibbon of CORE Nuclear Solutions, she addressed those who attended the joint BECBC and NNA event.

The event brought together the supply chain to hear about upcoming framework opportunities in nuclear.

It also gave the opportunity for informal networking.

Ms Gooch said: "I am passionate about making nuclear opportunities visible to the supply chain to help them understand where they will win work and who they need to speak to.

"I want to create a collaborative environment where members work together to share opportunities to place contracts and to build relationships for bidding.

“I also want to encourage large organisations to share their procurement opportunities.

"In the nuclear sector group we have a ready-made supply chain that can deliver the majority of the requirements, but they need to know how to access them.”

Alex Scott, senior commercial manager at Mammoet and BECBC’s new regional representative for the nuclear sectorAlex Scott, senior commercial manager at Mammoet and BECBC’s new regional representative for the nuclear sector (Image: BECBC)

The first of its kind within BECBC's sector groups, the role of regional representative will place Mr Scott, with his 14-year-long career at Mammoet, in a key position within the supply chain.

He said: “After many years as a BECBC member, I’ve seen the benefits unfold for countless businesses, received valuable support and built up a bank of connections that have benefited Mammoet.

"This role puts me in an excellent position to facilitate valuable partnerships within the nuclear industry.

"Cumbria is a hub for nuclear opportunity, and much of that opportunity can be exported further afield.

"BECBC’s strategy for the next few years looks to garner opportunities outside the county.

"I will be excited to play a part in the expansion.”

Speaking about the appointments, Dianne Richardson, CEO of BECBC, said: "This is an exciting new leadership phase for our nuclear group, Emma-Jayne and Alex are two long-standing BECBC members, and I am grateful for their loyal support of our mission to connect the region’s incredible businesses and help them thrive.

“I extend my gratitude to John McGibbon, who has done a fantastic job as our nuclear sector chair. He has been a pillar of support to our nuclear members, and his expertise has been invaluable.”