Acquisition bolsters Hydrock’s nuclear division
The engineering design group has bought Warrington-based 3T Safety Consultants, which will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hydrock.
Hydrock has bolstered its nuclear management division – which focuses on safety, environmental and radioactive waste management – with the acquisition of 3T.
“[The acquisition] allows us to grow our nuclear consultancy team, join forces with hugely respected practitioners in the sector, add a further international element to our business, and increase our capabilities in the wider energy transition market,” said Peter Sibley, Hydrock’s divisional director for nuclear management consultancy.
The Warrington-based firm’s client roster, which includes Urenco, Sellafield, and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, will complement Hydrock’s existing relationships in the sector, Sibley said.
“Our nuclear safety management service offering is broadly similar [to 3T’s], but our client base at Hydrock also includes other key players in the sector including Hinkley Point C, Sizewell C, and the small modular reactor sub-sector.”
Founded in 2008, 3T has a 28-strong team working both in the UK and internationally.
The company is headed up by Ben Belcher, Jon Blenkin, Greg Lilley, Allan Murdoch, and Paul Willard, who will continue the day-to-day running of the business, which will be known as Hydrock 3T going forward.
Following the acquisition, the directors have joined Hydrock’s growing North West cohort, which now numbers around 100.
Belcher said the deal marked “a substantial and natural next step” in 3T’s growth.
“Cultural fit was a really important factor in making this decision. It has been clear to us that Hydrock looks after its people and encourages them to grow, express themselves and be client-focused.”
Hydrock’s regional director Danny Hope pointed to the growth potential of the nuclear sector as a key driver behind the acquisition of 3T.
“Welcoming the 3T team in Warrington to our business is terrific news for our own growth,” he said.
“The nuclear sector, in all respects, represents an exciting opportunity for the North West to lead the UK in its energy transition.
He added; “From shaping the safety case for new small and advanced modular reactor technology, through to our ability to define the opportunity to maximise existing power infrastructure at decommissioned facilities for future energy generation and storage, Hydrock is leading the energy agenda, further boosted by the addition of the highly-respected team at 3T.”
