Rolls-Royce invites UK firms to bid for up to £1.4bn of contracts

Rolls-Royce SMR has launched a supplier programme giving UK businesses the opportunity to bid for up to £1.4 billion of contracts over the next year.

This will support the firm and Great British Energy-Nuclear (GBE-N) as they target more than 70% UK fleet content for the Gwyndod project, which involves building the UK’s first SMRs on Ynys Môn.

Since being formed in 2021, Rolls-Royce SMR has so far spent £300 million 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.

According to the firm, the launch of its 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”.

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 £1.4 billion 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.”

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.”