Scandinavian link in wind talks

The North Sea Offshore Wind conference in Hull on October 10 will give local companies the chance to meet similarly-sized Scandinavian firms as well as major developers. After months of uncertainty the Government last month announced less serious cuts to subsidies than feared, boosting business confidence.

Organisers say record growth continues in a sector, which includes the massive offshore Hornsea and Dogger Bank wind projects, and the £750m Humber Gateway project, which is currently under-construction.

Sam Pick, director for Renewables Network, said they were expecting around 25 companies from Norway and Denmark, and as many as 60 UK companies to attend.

He said: “We are trying to link the expertise that Norwegians and Scandinavians typically have offshore with local advantages which a lot of our smaller members have got. The real challenge for small businesses is how you grow with an industry that keeps growing rapidly and expects you to cut costs.”