The team at Thistle Wind Partners (TWP) is thrilled to have won the Supply Chain Development Award at this year’s Scottish Renewables’ Scottish Green Energy Supply Chain Awards.
Recognising the impact of our pioneering Supply Chain Pathways Programme, the award celebrates our commitment to creating real and sustainable opportunities for Scottish businesses in the offshore wind sector.
When we began shaping the Pathways Programme, we knew that early engagement would be key. Offshore wind projects often have a long lead-in time before reaching the construction phase, and we wanted to make the most of that by getting Scottish suppliers ready for the opportunities just around the corner.
By mapping out our future requirements for the supply chain in detail, we could see clearly where local capability already exists, as well as where investment and targeted support would make the biggest difference.
TWP, our partners and suppliers are passionate about opening the door for Scottish businesses and giving them the right opportunities to grow and leverage all that comes with a successful ScotWind and global offshore wind sector.
Through linking local firms with major international contractors at an earlier stage in the development process, the programme aims to make it easier for Scottish companies to become pre-qualified suppliers to Tier 1 contractors, helping companies compete for large-scale projects with confidence. Firms that meet the required standards are added to a supplier framework, which gives them the chance to work on projects across the UK and internationally.
One of the unique aspects of the programme is the insight it gives Scottish companies into how a major Tier 1 contractor selects its suppliers. Traditionally, this process has been difficult for smaller businesses to access, but the Pathways Programme makes the requirements clear, with open channels to share benchmarks and constructive feedback. For some companies, that means understanding what they need to do to win work now. For others, it’s about planning the steps to meet those standards in the future.
Working with Scottish Enterprise and industry partners, the benefits of the programme go beyond individual companies and contracts. We’re helping to grow the number of Scottish companies able to compete in offshore wind, building skills and capabilities that will strengthen the sector for years to come.
Our award from Scottish Renewables underlines the value of strong collaboration between developers, contractors, industry bodies and government agencies in delivering long-term economic benefits. At TWP, we want to see Scottish companies not just participating but leading in projects here and abroad.