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UtILItY WeeK | 26th september - 2nd october 2014 | 25 Operations & Assets to the project lenders on progress. The consultants will continue to advise during commissioning. The project is being developed, built and operated by Trianel Wind- krawerk Borkum (TWB), a company owned by 34 municipal utilities from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands. To be featured in this slot, please send your pictures and details of the project to: paul.newton@fav-house.com Pipe up Mark Knowlton U K manufacturers have a lot to offer the rapidly developing UK offshore wind sector – and vice versa. A wide range of technologies and engineer- ing know-how is in demand as windfarms spring up off Britain's coast, including turbine towers, nacelles and substations. Furthermore, contrary to what some com- mentators say about the long-term certainty or security of investments made in offshore wind, the industry really can generate payback in the medium term. That said, there is no doubt that accessing this sector is not for the faint-hearted. You must have determina- tion, stamina and demonstrate an exceptional focus on quality, cost and delivery. There is a relentless focus on health and safety because the target of zero accidents in offshore wind is non-negotiable for tier ones and their suppliers. Despite the existing supply base over the Channel being well versed in these challenges and benefiting from many years of invest- ment, the UK manufactur- ing and engineering sector is fast becoming a major contender. Our businesses can compete with European counterparts by providing innovative solutions that are proven to reduce the total life costs of installa- tions and infrastructure. British businesses also bring benefits in proximity and flexibility. The government has set targets to ensure that a UK supply chain becomes the primary contributor to future offshore wind installations. But if the industry is serious about responding to these targets, then developers and tier one suppliers must have more than an abstract awareness of these benefits. There needs to be a more active interest in UK sourc- ing and greater visibility of opportunities to supply. GROW:Offshorewind has a remit to support this. The programme is led by Grant Thornton with the support of partners at the Manufacturing Advisory Service, Renewable UK and Sheffield University. GROW:Offshorewind can provide access to a team of expert advisers working across England to help build capacity in the offshore wind supply chain. Areas of focus include the delivery of market insight, access to technical knowledge, supplier matching and significant funding as a market enabler for innovation projects or upfront investment associated with capital purchases and relocation. Mark Knowlton is an adviser for GROW:OffshoreWind "There needs to be a more active interest in UK sourcing and greater visibility of opportunities to supply." The government has set targets to ensure that a UK supply chain becomes the primary contributor to future offshore wind installations