MANUFACTURING businesses in North Yorkshire are being invited to bid for grants following a £1.5 million funding package to boost the nuclear sector.

Fit For Nuclear (F4N), which was developed by the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) and delivered in partnership with the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS), is offering grants of around £10,000 to York companies that want to meet industry standards and compete for work in civil nuclear.

More than 5000 SMEs are needed to ensure the UK has the necessary capacity to meet its £60 billion civil new build programme and the multi-billion pound decommissioning contracts already underway.

The funding call will allow management teams to drive business improvements in areas, such as improved manufacturing processes, factory layout, bid writing, training plans and strategy.

Manufacturers can apply for F4N funding to support R&D projects to optimise production or develop new processes/products and can also access the Nuclear AMRC's world-leading workshop capabilities in welding, metrology and design support.

All projects must be completed by 31st March 2016, with firms urged to apply as soon as possible to secure a share of the funding.

For further information visit www.fitfornuclear.co.uk