SMEs Win £19 Million in Sellafield Contracts Through Innovative Procurement Scheme

Sixteen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the North West have collectively secured approximately £19 million in contracts as part of Sellafield’s prominent nuclear decommissioning programme in Cumbria, thanks to a pioneering procurement initiative.

The scheme, named ‘Matchmaker’, was developed by Solomons Europe, a Chartered Quantity Surveying practice based in Newton-le-Willows. Its primary aim is to dismantle the barriers that have historically hindered regional SMEs from participating in significant, highly-regulated infrastructure frameworks.

Now celebrating five years of operation, the Matchmaker model has become a vital component of Sellafield’s engagement with its supply chain, particularly within its £7 billion Programme and Project Partners (PPP) framework, which is recognised as one of the UK’s most intricate and long-term infrastructure initiatives.

The scheme has already demonstrated tangible results. Through its involvement with Sellafield’s PPP framework, Matchmaker has engaged over 100 SMEs, facilitated 40 joint Heads of Terms, and supported 16 framework awards. Notable North West companies benefiting from this initiative include Oldham Engineering, RAF Engineering, Delkia, and West Coast Thermal.

Dominic Doig FRICS, Managing Director of Solomons Europe, conceptualised the initiative with the intention of highlighting the often-overlooked capabilities of the North West’s SME sector. “The Matchmaker scheme began with a simple idea – to shine a light on the collective strength and quality of SMEs in Cumbria and across the wider North West,” he stated. “These are businesses that create jobs locally, invest in skills, take on apprentices and deliver social value that stays in the region. Seeing them succeed on a programme of Sellafield’s scale is hugely important for the long-term resilience of our supply chain.”

Solomons Europe has integrated NEC4 Clause 10 principles into its Matchmaker service, focusing not just on compliance but also on a human-centred contracting model that embodies NEC4’s core values of mutual trust and cooperation. This approach prioritises relationships, clarity, and confidence, enabling Tier 1 and Tier 2 partners to better comprehend SME capabilities while assisting SMEs in navigating complex procurement processes and delivery expectations.

The benefits of this initiative extend beyond individual contract awards. It has played a significant role in job creation, on-the-job learning, and skills development, thereby helping to future-proof Cumbria’s built environment and engineering supply chain. “This has increased confidence across the region – not just for SMEs, but for the entire delivery ecosystem,” Dominic added. “It’s about building a stronger North West supply chain that can support major programmes not just today, but for decades to come.”