NOF Industrial Diversification Conference & Exhibition

Event start - 8am

Event End - 3pm

Connected Industries. Stronger supply chains. Diversification is often not a pivot, it’s an adjacency.

NOF has always been a huge advocate of diversification and has supported members accordingly over the years. The energy industry has brought us all decades of opportunities and no doubt will continue to do so for many decades to come. Why stop there when there is a world of new possibilities

Energy supply chain companies typically excel in large-scale specialist engineering, modular fabrication, high-specification compliance environments, project management in complex sites, safety-critical operations and industrial construction projects

NOF members and the wider energy sector supply network, especially those historically focused on oil & gas or traditional power, have exceptional skills and expertise which can easily be transferred to adjacent sectors. Diversifying into adjacent sectors like defence and security, water, data centres, civil construction and space can be a strategically smart move and shield businesses from the highs and lows of the energy industry which in itself is traditionally cyclical.

Defence and Security. Maintained Government Spend

UK businesses have several strategic reasons to participate in the defence sector — particularly those with engineering, manufacturing, digital, infrastructure, or high-specification capabilities. Some areas of supply chain spend include precision engineering, electronics, advanced materials, fabrication, software, cybersecurity and infrastructure. Major UK defence programmes including submarine, air combat and naval systems run for decades. Defence procurement activity remains strong, defence buyers issued contract notices valued at over £97 billion in 2025 alone (for equipment, services and support), revealing a robust marketplace with diverse opportunities for prime contractors and sub-contractors.

Civil Construction. A Multi-Decade UK Infrastructure Pipeline

The UK has committed to significant long-term infrastructure investment across industries including rail, tunnels, buildings, bridges, roads, energy transmission, urban regeneration and airports. Key supply chain requirements include heavy fabrication, structural steel, high-integrity welding, large-scale concrete works, mechanical & electrical (M&E) installation, site logistics and health & safety in complex environments.

Large civil infrastructure is central to the UK’s net zero strategy around grid reinforcement, electrified rail, flood resilience, nuclear power and renewable energy to name but a few.

Data Centre Build Out and Power Systems. Energy Intensive Infrastructure

UK energy sector suppliers have a strong strategic case for diversifying into data centres, particularly given electrification, AI growth, and the UK’s role as a European digital hub.

Data centres are effectively power infrastructure assets. They require high-voltage grid connections, substations, backup generation, battery storage, cooling systems, power distribution units and electrical integration. Supplier opportunities include grid connections, power generation, switchgear, control systems, industrial cooling and balance of plant. Industry research shows there are around 94 new‑build data centre projects in the UK pipeline — collectively valued at about £36 billion. Many of these are expected to start construction in the next few years and complete by the late‑2020s/early 2030s.

Space Is Now Industrial, Not Experimental.

The space sector is transitioning from state-led exploration to commercial infrastructure. Growth is driven by satellite constellations, launch infrastructure expansion, earth observation and defence-space integration. UK businesses are actively winning work and competing in the global space sector

Water Infrastructure. Essential Utility Spending.

Water and wastewater services are critical national infrastructure. The UK’s water infrastructure is ageing, with many assets being decades old. Current pressure points include leakage reduction, wastewater treatment upgrades, storm overflow compliance, flood resilience, drought resilience and environmental protection standards. Specific opportunities include advanced treatment technologies, monitoring & sensors, civil engineering, pumping systems, modular plant fabrication and digital optimisation, desalination and flood defence. Ofwat has allocated funding for a £50 billion pipeline of 30 major water infrastructure projects for delivery over the next 10-25 years. This presents a significant opportunity for investors and supply chain partners to engage in financing, designing, building, and operating infrastructure.

Screen and Film. An Unexpected Opportunity

At first glance, the screen and film industry looks unrelated to energy. But for certain UK energy sector suppliers, particularly those with engineering, fabrication, modular build, power systems and logistics capability, diversification into film and high-end TV production infrastructure can be a good move.

Supplier opportunities include large-span structural steel buildings, complex power distribution, backup generation, HVAC & cooling systems, specialist fit-out, Steelworks and fabrication, fire safety specials, drones, tool hire, scaffolding and equipment hire.

Joy Calvert - jcalvert@nof.co.uk