Rolls-Royce SMR Launches Supplier Programme Backed by £1.4 Billion of Contract Opportunities

Since being formed in 2021, Rolls-Royce SMR has already spent over £300M with UK based suppliers – equivalent to 88% of its total spend to date – held three UK supplier events and formally engaged with more than 650 UK businesses.

The launch of the Rolls-Royce SMR Supplier Programme is a major milestone in establishing a resilient, high-value UK supply chain, capable of delivering at scale and supporting our export programme.

Through strategic partnerships and greater visibility of future opportunities, the Programme will help UK suppliers engage with one of the country’s most significant clean energy projects. Businesses will have access to a range of engagement opportunities designed to support participation in the Rolls-Royce SMR supply chain, including guidance on entering a new industry, routes to expanding capability and showcasing innovation as the UK develops a new generation of clean, secure energy infrastructure.

Businesses can find out more about this programme and the upcoming contracts at the forthcoming joint Rolls-Royce SMR, GBE-N Supplier Conference which will take place on Ynys Môn (Anglesey) North Wales on 22-23 October.

Demonstrating its continued commitment to UK industry, Rolls-Royce SMR can also confirm it is working with Sheffield Forgemasters, who have undertaken assessments of component manufacturability and confirmed UK capability to support our Gwyndod programme, enabling ongoing discussions around the potential supply of UK forged components for Rolls Royce SMR’s projects and creating export opportunities.

Chris Cholerton, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce SMR, said:

“The scale of the opportunity available to UK suppliers from the Rolls-Royce SMR programme is very significant. Signing the contract with Great British Energy-Nuclear in April 2026 has unlocked a forecast £1.4bn opportunity for UK business in the first year alone.

“As the only SMR provider with multiple contractual commitments in Europe, we want to partner with the best of UK industry, to maximise their opportunity to contribute to our growing European fleet.”

Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds MP, said:

“We have world-class nuclear expertise in this country and some of the best manufacturers anywhere. As demand for nuclear grows around the world, there’s no reason Britain shouldn’t be winning more of that work.”

“This programme is about helping British firms get a bigger slice of that opportunity. Through our Modern Industrial Strategy, we’re backing businesses to win more contracts, create more skilled jobs and make sure the benefits are felt in every postcode.”

Secretary of State for Wales, Stephen Kinnock MP, said:

“This is a significant opportunity for businesses in north Wales and across the country to be a part of building the UK’s first small modular reactors, backed by a generational commitment of over £2.5 billion from the UK Government.

“The development of new nuclear on Anglesey is creating a world-class supply chain and helping deliver our commitment to good jobs and growth in every postcode.”

Simon Roddy, Chief Executive of GBE-N, said:

“This is an important milestone in strengthening the UK’s nuclear supply chain and creating opportunities for businesses across the country. Working with Rolls-Royce SMR, we are supporting delivery of more than 70% UK content and helping to ensure the benefits of the programme are felt here in the UK. The Supplier Programme will give companies the tools and confidence to compete for work at home and abroad.”

The Rolls-Royce SMR Supplier Programme will help a wider range of British businesses engage with the civil nuclear sector. Through workshops, industry events and expert guidance, the Programme will demystify the sector, help suppliers understand regulatory and commercial requirements, and make it easier for companies to explore opportunities within the Rolls-Royce SMR supply chain.

Participating suppliers will benefit from greater visibility of future supply chain requirements and access to potential opportunities across the programme. They will also have opportunities to engage directly with Rolls-Royce SMR and supply chain procurement teams through briefings, networking events and meet-the-buyer sessions.

For suppliers with strategically important capabilities, the Programme will enable closer collaboration with Rolls-Royce SMR supply chain teams, creating opportunities to align capabilities, share future requirements and explore where there is potential to work together in support of successful project delivery and the long-term deployment of a Rolls-Royce SMR fleet.

Together, these initiatives will help strengthen a resilient, high-value UK supply chain capable of delivering at scale and supporting the UK’s nuclear ambitions at home and internationally.