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Hydrock expands nuclear consultancy team with acquisition of 3TSC

11th Sept 2023

Hydrock has announced its acquisition of Warrington-based 3T Safety Consultants Ltd (3T). It's an acquisition that creates a significant addition to Hydrock's nuclear management consultancy business which is focused on safety, environmental and radioactive waste management in the nuclear sector.

Founded in 2008, and based in the heart of the north-west's nuclear sector community, 3T has a 28-strong team working both in the UK and internationally.

3T has a well-established track record of delivering nuclear safety assessment expertise, working with clients that include Urenco, Sellafield, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, AWE and Nuclear Waste Services.

In welcoming 3T to Hydrock, Peter Sibley, Hydrock's divisional director for nuclear management consultancy, said:

“This is an exciting development for both businesses. It 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. Our nuclear safety management service offering is broadly similar, 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.”

Hydrock and 3T offer complementary and established consultancy services that include safety and risk management analysis, safety case management and production, as well as independent peer reviews and the provision of expert advice. However, 3T also add experience in criticality safety assessments to Hydrock's existing business.

Commenting on joining Hydrock, Ben Belcher, director with 3T, said:

“We're delighted to join Hydrock. It's a substantial and natural next step in the growth of our business and offers our staff an opportunity to broaden and develop their careers further in a larger organisation. Cultural fit was a really important factor in making this decision. It's been clear to us that Hydrock looks after its people and encourages them to grow, express themselves and be client focused.”

The acquisition of 3T further strengthens Hydrock's position in the wider engineering, energy and sustainability consulting market in the north-west, with a team of around 100 already based in the region.

Hydrock's regional director, Danny Hope, widely experienced himself in the nuclear sector, welcomes this continued growth:

“The nuclear sector, in all respects, represents an exciting opportunity for the north-west to lead the UK in its energy transition. Welcoming the 3T team in Warrington to our business is terrific news for our own growth. 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.”

3T is led by five directors, Ben Belcher, Jon Blenkin, Greg Lilley, Allan Murdoch and Paul Willard. The business will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hydrock trading under the name of Hydrock 3T as a separate operating division.