A procurement initiative developed by Solomons Europe has helped small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) secure an estimated £19 million in contracts on the Sellafield Programme and Project Partners framework (PPP) in Cumbria.

The scheme, known as “Matchmaker”, has reached a five-year milestone and is designed to improve SME access to major infrastructure frameworks by connecting regional suppliers with Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors.

Framework delivery model supports SME access to major infrastructure work

The Matchmaker model underpins elements of delivery within Sellafield’s PPP framework, a long-term programme valued at approximately £7 billion and focused on nuclear decommissioning and site remediation.

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It provides a structured route for SMEs to engage with larger contractors, addressing barriers typically associated with complex procurement processes on highly regulated infrastructure projects.

To date, the initiative has engaged more than 100 SMEs, facilitated 40 joint Heads of Terms agreements and supported 16 framework contract awards.

Companies securing work through the scheme include Oldham Engineering, RAF Engineering, Delkia and West Coast Thermal.

The model incorporates principles aligned with the NEC4 contract framework, focusing on collaboration, transparency and early engagement across the supply chain.

Rather than a compliance-led approach, the scheme aims to improve understanding between contractors and SMEs, supporting smaller firms in navigating procurement requirements and delivery expectations on major programmes.

Industry focus on supply chain resilience and social value delivery

The initiative comes as infrastructure programmes increasingly prioritise supply chain resilience, regional economic impact and skills development.

By increasing SME participation, the scheme is intended to support job creation, apprenticeships and local economic activity within the Cumbria region.

Dominic Doig, Managing Director of Solomons Europe, said: “The Matchmaker scheme began with a simple idea – to shine a light on the collective strength and quality of SMEs in Cumbria. These businesses create jobs, drive innovation, invest locally and deliver social impact that genuinely changes lives.

Seeing that idea become an integral part of how Sellafield works with its supply chain is something I’m incredibly proud of. Beyond contract awards and immediate economic benefits, the service has increased confidence and collaboration across the region’s built environment. It is creating jobs, apprenticeships and on-the-job learning, helping to strengthen Cumbria’s supply chain for decades to come.”

The model is being positioned as a potential approach for wider use across UK infrastructure sectors, including energy, transport and defence, where access to supply chains remains a challenge for smaller firms.

Doig added: “For us, this is only the beginning. We see significant national potential for this model across the UK’s major infrastructure programmes – from nuclear and clean energy to highways and defence. We are actively working to scale Matchmaker as a proven blueprint for the wider sector, unlocking opportunities for regional prosperity, skills development, and the creation of meaningful, lasting legacies from major public and private investment.”