BUSINESS UNIT

Nuclear  & Defence

European countries’ commitment to modernising energy and defence infrastructure reflects a strategy aimed at strengthening national security and long-term industrial resilience. This is driving an unprecedented investment programme designed to support innovation and the development of strategic infrastructure.

The nuclear and defence sectors demand the highest levels of precision, integrity and security. The entire investment lifecycle is governed by a complex framework of national and supranational regulations, licensing requirements, technical standards and control procedures covering design management and coordination, procurement, transport, logistics, prefabrication, construction, commissioning and operations.

Supply chain qualification, full traceability of materials and components, the management of critical supplies, document control, compliance with licensing requirements and coordination with the relevant authorities are essential to ensuring the compliance, safety and reliability of the overall programme. Operating in these environments requires specialist expertise and extensive experience in the governance of projects delivered in highly regulated environments, where regulatory requirements are not merely a final compliance check, but an integral part of project development.

Areas of specialisation

New Nuclear

Includes programmes for the development of new nuclear capacity based on next-generation technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular solutions. These are highly capital-intensive programmes, characterised by long development cycles and a high degree of integration between site development, design, off-site prefabrication, a qualified supply chain and final assembly.
Compared with conventional nuclear, these programmes rely on more standardised, repeatable and scalable delivery models, in which the industrial dimension of the supply chain plays a central role. The ability to coordinate components manufactured across different locations, qualification requirements, transport, approvals and installation sequences becomes an integral part of the investment’s deliverability.

Conventional Nuclear

Includes conventional nuclear power plants in operation, as well as programmes for the development, modernisation and life extension of existing facilities. These are assets where operational continuity, infrastructure reliability and progressive alignment with regulatory requirements must be managed over multi-decade lifecycles.
This asset class also includes refurbishment and major plant modification programmes delivered within live operational facilities, where interventions, planned outages, qualified supply chains and assurance requirements must be coordinated without compromising safety or continuity of operations.

Nuclear Decommissioning

Includes programmes for the decommissioning of nuclear facilities and sites, from the cessation of operations through to achievement of the defined site end state. Decommissioning is delivered through a coordinated sequence of activities involving the management and progressive removal of the nuclear inventory, hazard reduction, dismantling of structures and plant, and the management of materials and waste generated throughout the process.
Rather than a single project, it represents an asset transformation programme made up of interdependent phases and projects, often delivered over multi-decade timescales.

Defence Infrastructure

Includes strategic infrastructure and assets supporting Defence operational capability, from military bases and secure estates to naval and aviation infrastructure, as well as dedicated manufacturing, logistics and maintenance facilities. These are mission-critical assets, often developed or transformed within live, high-security environments, where delivery must remain compatible with stringent access, protection and operational continuity requirements.
This asset class includes development and modernisation programmes for military bases, dockyards and shipyards, air bases, hangars and maintenance facilities, training facilities, as well as strategic industrial infrastructure supporting the Defence supply chain.

Services provided

Project Planning & Monitoring

Regulatory Compliance

Focused Project Controls

Operational Readiness & Secure Delivery

Projects completed

All projects

UK SMR PROGRAMME

Bestmind UK supported Deloitte LLP in delivering client-side procurement and sourcing for the Owner’s Scope of the UK Small Modular Reactor (SMR) programme, during a key phase of the national technology selection process led by Great British Energy – Nuclear, the UK public body responsible for new nuclear development. Bestmind’s role focused on defining a […]

Hinkley Point C

We are working closely with Wincanton, who are the official warehouse and transport service partner for the construction of EDF's Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. Our team have been providing Cost and schedule management services encompass planning, estimating, budgeting, monitoring, and controlling project costs and timelines to ensure projects are completed on time and […]