Business & Market Development (Energy & Electrical Sector) – Dron & Dickson
Company Information
Dron & Dickson are specialists in supply, installation and maintenance of harsh & hazardous area electrical equipment, this service is critical to many of the companies in the energy industry. We understand our customer’s needs, specify the equipment for them to consider, and then deliver against their requirement.
Project Overview
This project is based around one of the UK’s largest upcoming energy infrastructure developments: Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station.
You will take on the role of a Managing Director of a small-to-medium-sized (SME) electrical wholesale and engineering services company. Your challenge is to decide how the business should position itself to win work connected to the Sizewell C project.
This is a real-world business and engineering project that combines energy, strategy, research, and problem solving.
Project Aim
To develop a realistic business strategy showing how an SME specialising in electrical wholesale and engineering services could secure work linked to the Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station project.
Key Research Questions
• What is the Sizewell C project and what are its main phases?
• What electrical and engineering supply chain opportunities might exist?
• How do SMEs access major energy infrastructure projects?
• What procurement routes, frameworks, and entry points are available?
• What safety, quality, and regulatory standards apply to nuclear projects?
• How can a company position itself for long-term growth and engagement?
What You Will Do
• Research the scope, scale, and timeline of the Sizewell C project
• Identify areas where electrical wholesale and engineering services may be required
• Investigate procurement routes and supply chain entry points for SMEs
• Analyse compliance, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements in the nuclear sector
• Assess regional economic impact and local supply chain participation
• Develop a clear, realistic business strategy for market entry and growth
• Produce a professional written report and deliver a presentation with your recommendations
Science, Engineering and Technical Understanding
• Learning how major energy infrastructure projects are structured
• Understanding nuclear industry safety and regulatory standards
• Linking electrical engineering services to large-scale project needs
• Applying analytical thinking to real-world commercial decisions
• Evaluating risk, compliance, and long-term sustainability
Planning and Organisation
You will:
• Break the project into clear stages (research, analysis, strategy development)
• Plan your time effectively
• Keep clear records of sources and decisions
• Justify your recommendations using evidence
Skills Developed
• Research and data analysis
• Strategic thinking and problem solving
• Understanding energy supply chains
• Project planning and organisation
• Independent working and self-motivation
• Professional communication and presentation skills
Final Outputs
• A written report
• A strategic business positioning plan
• Analysis of supply chain and procurement routes
• Evaluation of compliance and regulatory considerations
• A professional presentation summarising findings and recommendations
Reflection and Evaluation
Your report must include:
• What you learned about nuclear energy projects and supply chains
• What challenges you encountered and how you addressed them
• How realistic and achievable your strategy is
• What you would improve if you developed the project further
https://www.crestawards.org/resources/crest-gold-student-guide