SmartStart Manufacturing Programme

SmartStart is delivered in three structured phases, designed to take manufacturing proposals from early understanding through to investment-ready business cases.

The first phase focuses on requirements capture. We work with organisations to understand their current and future capability, assess capacity against national and international demand, and agree the most valuable technical and commercial assessments needed to strengthen the opportunity.

The second phase delivers technical feasibility assessments. This includes detailed analysis to test viability, identify opportunities, validate development plans, reduce risk and shape a clear direction for manufacturing strategy and facility development.

The final phase focuses on ensuring useful outputs for easy integration with existing business cases. Here we bring everything together into a clear, evidence-based case that supports informed investment decisions and helps attract future capital for delivery.

Across the programme, support can include site and capability assessment, manufacturing execution system review and improvement, process simulation, materials and process selection, factory optimisation, manufacturing intelligence, capacity and cost modelling, technical and commercial risk assessment, and phased development planning. Additional specialist modules are also available depending on project needs.

Entry into the SmartStart Programme is a one-stage application/EOI process completed via our online Submittable Platform.

Our application process is straightforward and inclusive, ensuring accessibility for businesses of all sizes. All communications regarding your application, including answers to submitted questions, will be sent via Submittable. On this platform you can create a profile, save and return to your application and invite colleagues to collaborate on the submission with you.

Applications are reviewed by the OWGP team, supplemented by a panel of independent assessors where required, and are scored against defined criteria (subject to change as required by OWGP), including strategic fit with offshore wind, clarity of need, and the potential impact of support.

If successful you will be onboarded to the programme and introduced to your delivery partners at HMVC. OWGP project managers provide ongoing support and quality assurance from kick-off to completion.

The Industrial Growth Plan outlines critical priorities within the offshore wind supply chain through a “make” or “buy” analysis. Projects which meet one of the priorities listed under the “Make,” “Nurture to make” or “Protect” categories will be eligible for support with priority given to projects that fit into the “Make” category. Check page 6 of the IGP for a full breakdown of the priorities.

Typical engagements run for 3-4 up to a maximum of 6 months. 

Yes, and vice versa.

No. Prospective applicants already taking part in a business support programme through OWGP should seek to complete that programme before applying for another.

Typically, this would be time spent on the project and indicated in the labour costs. It may also include in-kind materials or facilities. 

If your understanding of the offshore wind market is limited, or you require specialist advice to find your place in the market and size up your competition, we recommend exploring our WEST programme.

If you have already built a strong business case for a new facility but require financial support to advance early-stage pre-FID planning activities, then check out our Manufacturing Facility Support Programme. If your organisation is a little further on and requires financial backing to start building a facility, you may want to consider our Industrial Growth Fund programme.