Wind Expert Support Toolkit (WEST) programme

The aim of the WEST Programme is to enable companies to become more competitive and to encourage UK businesses with transferrable capabilities into the offshore wind sector.

Companies are invited to submit an application for support against a range of possible needs to support their growth in the offshore wind sector.

Start by completing the application form on our Submittable Platform, identifying your top three company needs and tell us more about your company, products or services and ambition within the offshore wind sector.

We guarantee that a minimum of two company needs will be addressed during your engagement with us. We will monitor successful applicants and track progress in line with key performance indicators for the programme (jobs, turnover, exports and IP in offshore wind).

WEST is a focused, time-bound programme. Before applying you should ensure your company can commit the necessary time, resource and engagement to ensure meaningful outcomes.

The WEST Programme has a one-stage application process via the Submittable Platform and runs on a rolling basis, so if you miss the window to apply in this Wave, don’t fret. Use this time to prepare a strong application and apply when the programme reopens.

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 the Submittable Platform. On this platform you can create a profile, save and return to your application and invite colleagues to collaborate on the submission with you.

The WEST Application consists of 5 Sections with a total of 54 short questions.

Applications are reviewed by the OWGP team, supplemented by a panel of independent assessors where required, and are scored against defined criteria, 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 the relevant delivery partner. Our delivery partners are carefully selected based on their ability to meet the unique needs of each business, ensuring you receive high-quality guidance and insight to drive long-term success.

Programme engagements begin, with the development of an intervention plan. OWGP project managers provide ongoing support and quality assurance from kick-off to completion.

From the point of being awarded a place on the WEST programme the typical engagement lasts for 3 to 4 months.

Through WEST we have supported over 200 companies to enhance their capabilities and knowledge within the offshore wind sector. The nature of our beneficiary companies from 1-2 person businesses right up to multi-national organisations with global footprints covering all phases of the offshore wind lifecycle.

WEST is delivered by carefully selected, expert consultants who have vast knowledge and experience across the offshore wind sector and wider business areas.

WEST is designed to support both entry level organisations and large conglomerates already operating in offshore wind to expand their understanding and competitiveness by tailoring support to your specific business needs.

Take our programme quiz to find out which support programme might be best for you. We also recommend reading the programme Scope and Guidance document before submitting an application.