Nuclear Energy Components (NEC), the Derbyshire-based specialist precision engineering manufacturer, has been shortlisted for Engineering Manufacturer of the Year at the Made in the UK Midlands Awards, taking place on Thursday 23 April at the Burlington MacDonald Hotel in Birmingham. The shortlist recognises NEC’s long-standing reputation for delivering safety-critical precision engineering to highly regulated industries, alongside its continued investment in advanced manufacturing, innovation and people. The Made in the UK Midlands Awards, organised by Insider Media, celebrate the region’s most successful and innovative manufacturers, recognising businesses that are driving industrial growth, technological advancement and global competitiveness. Matt Keeley, Director at Nuclear Energy Components, said:“We’re incredibly proud to be shortlisted for Engineering Manufacturer of the Year. This recognition reflects the commitment, skill and dedication of our entire team. As an employee-owned business, everyone at NEC takes pride in delivering the precision, innovation and reliability our customers depend on, particularly in safety-critical sectors like nuclear. We remain focused on supporting the UK’s energy security while continuing to invest in advanced manufacturing and the next generation of engineering talent.” Operating from its facility in Bradwell, NEC is an employee-owned, nuclear-approved contract manufacturer with more than eight decades of engineering heritage. The business supports sectors including nuclear, defence, aerospace, oil and gas, rail, automotive, medical devices and power generation, supplying high-integrity components and assemblies designed to perform reliably in demanding environments. The company has been closely involved in the UK civil nuclear sector since the early 1950s and has supported programmes across virtually every nuclear site in the UK, helping deliver components that underpin safe and reliable energy generation. Today, NEC continues to play a key role in strengthening the UK’s nuclear supply chain while supporting the nation’s energy security and low-carbon ambitions. Innovation is also a key part of NEC’s strategy. The company recently developed the Modular HeliGrid, a patented engineering solution designed to transform the manufacture of complex components traditionally produced from single large plates. By rethinking the manufacturing approach, NEC has significantly reduced lead times, lowered production risk and created a more flexible, repairable system that improves long-term component performance. Alongside product innovation, NEC continues to invest in advanced manufacturing technology and automation, improving productivity while maintaining the high levels of quality and traceability required for nuclear-grade components. The business also maintains strong, long-term relationships with major customers across the nuclear sector, delivering dedicated manufacturing solutions that provide supply chain resilience, consistent quality and dependable on-time delivery.

A Derbyshire village has found a novel – and greener – way to light up the streets over Christmas-time.​ The village watermill is being used to power the Christmas lights in Bradwell in the Derbyshire Peak District. The hydro project, first installed six years ago, was initially powered by a Heath Robinson-style collection of parts from villagers’ sheds including a pair of bicycle wheels. “This is the second incarnation of our waterwheel,” explains Andy Nash, one of three volunteers who look after the wheel in the Bradwell Brook each December. “It was initially built as an education aid for our local school children. The first one produced about 30 watts of power and we couldn’t run it for very long. “This latest wheel – designed by apprentice engineers from Nuclear Energy Components Ltd – a company based just down the road – chucks out between 70 and 80 watts and now powers our village lights from 3pm until midnight,” says Andy. Photography: Rod Kirkpatrick of RKP Photography Article: Derbyshire Times