A procurement matchmaker scheme developed by Solomons Europe has helped 16 small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) secure an estimated £19 million in contracts on Sellafield’s flagship nuclear decommissioning programme in Cumbria.
Having now reached a five-year milestone, the scheme – known as Matchmaker – provides a structured and transparent route for regional SMEs to engage with lead contractors on complex, highly-regulated infrastructure programmes. It aims to removes long‑standing barriers to entry for major frameworks while delivering measurable socio‑economic value.
The concept was created by Dominic Doig FRICS, Solomons Europe MD. The model now underpins the delivery approach within Sellafield’s £7 billion Programme and project partners (PPP) framework.
Solomons Europe embedded NEC4 Clause 10 principles at the heart of its matchmaker service. Rather than focusing on compliance alone, the service applies a human‑centred contracting model aligned with NEC4’s core spirit of mutual trust and cooperation. It prioritises relationships, clarity and confidence – enabling Tier 1 and Tier 2 partners to better understand SME capability, while supporting SMEs to navigate demanding procurement processes and delivery expectations.
The impact is already evident. Through its work on Sellafield’s PPP framework, Matchmaker has engaged more than 100 SMEs, facilitated 40 joint Heads of Terms, and supported 16 framework awards.
Among the businesses to secure work through the initiative are Oldham Engineering, RAF Engineering, Delkia, and West Coast Thermal.
Dominic Doig said, “The Matchmaker scheme began with a simple idea – to shine a light on the collective strength and quality of SMEs in Cumbria. These businesses create jobs, drive innovation, invest locally and deliver social impact that genuinely changes lives.
“Seeing that idea become an integral part of how Sellafield works with its supply chain is something I’m incredibly proud of. Beyond contract awards and immediate economic benefits, the service has increased confidence and collaboration across the region’s built environment. It is creating jobs, apprenticeships and on the job learning, helping to strengthen Cumbria’s supply chain for decades to come.
“For us, this is only the beginning. We see significant national potential for this model across the UK’s major infrastructure programmes – from nuclear and clean energy to highways and defence. We are actively working to scale Matchmaker as a proven blueprint for the wider sector, unlocking opportunities for regional prosperity, skills development, and the creation of meaningful, lasting legacies from major public and private investment.”
