Community a key focus for SPR's offshore wind projects

“A key part of our business is developing offshore wind projects, but once they are built, we remain in the region as a local employer,” said Eilidh Campbell, senior supply chain strategy manager.

“At East Anglia ONE, we’re supporting over 100 full-time roles throughout the 25-year-plus lifetime of the wind farm, and even more local jobs will be supported as East Anglia THREE comes into operation.

Eilidh Campbell, senior supply chain strategy manager (Image: SPR)
“It’s really important that we build strong local relationships beyond the development stage to ensure we are creating a positive legacy and are able to deliver the best outcomes for the community where our wind farms operate, and our employees live.”

SPR’s first ever offshore apprenticeship programme is a good example of the positive impact it is having in East Anglia, Eilidh explained.

“It was great to see the team come together to see it delivered – and most importantly young people in East Anglia getting access to training opportunities.”

The company has also awarded contracts worth millions of pounds to suppliers in the region, aligning with its commitment to support local businesses wherever it operates.

“Working with local businesses is crucial to ensuring that work can be awarded in the area where possible,” said Gavin Smart, UK and Ireland head of new business and supply chain strategy.

Gavin Smart, UK and Ireland head of new business and supply chain strategy (Image: SPR)

“This is not just finding businesses we can work with today, but identifying those we can help (directly or indirectly) to build the capacity and capability to work with in the future.”

More broadly, SPR wants to ensure the views of local people are considered, and that they understand the rationale for its offshore wind projects – and what’s involved.

“We’re mindful that these are major infrastructure projects, and some people will be concerned about how they might affect them,” said Joanna Young, senior stakeholder manager – offshore development.

“By engaging with local communities, we hope to explain the processes, manage expectations and provide reassurances that SPR listens to communities and will provide mitigation where possible.”

Joanna Young, senior stakeholder manager – offshore development (Image: SPR)
Joanna added that she is particularly proud of the work SPR did with its contractors to explain horizontal directional drilling at the landfall site for East Anglia ONE.

“It was such an important topic for the local community in that area, and by explaining the process and encouraging our construction teams to participate in community events ahead of works commencing, it helped people understand the measures we were taking to manage erosion in the area. That kind of engagement really matters to us.”

SPR recently held a series of public information days to update communities on planned works along the 37km East Anglia THREE onshore cable corridor between Bawdsey and Bramford.

The company is also keen to highlight its role as part of the local community. It has a presence at local events such as the Suffolk Show, and last year it co-sponsored the Suffolk stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race.

Edward Rees, community liaison officer (Image: SPR)
“We also took the opportunity to partner with Suffolk County Council and fund delivery of a Bikeability cycling proficiency scheme at Phoenix St Peter Academy, Lowestoft,” said Edward Rees, community liaison officer.

“This enabled all Year 5 and 6 pupils to learn an important life skill. Initiatives like this are an important part of what we do and help us spread the message about our projects, our plans and our people.”

With construction underway on East Anglia THREE, and consent granted for East Anglia ONE North and East Anglia TWO, keeping local people informed will continue to be a priority for SPR.

Reecia Cullen, community liaison officer (Image: SPR)
Reecia Cullen, community liaison officer, said: “It is so important that our stakeholders and the community are informed, listened to and kept up to date as and when our projects progress.

“I’m proud to be part of a team and a company that places a real focus on that.”

For more information, visit spreastanglia.co.uk

This article is part of LOCALiQ's Clean & Green campaign, which aims to promote our region as the biggest in the UK and Europe for all forms of renewable energy.