Businesses will have the chance to develop links with the nuclear supply chain next month.

Small and medium sized businesses from the Penrith area are being urged to host a trade mission of tier two suppliers for Sellafield Ltd on December 6.

The aim is to get more local SMEs involved in Sellafield’s £2 billion a year decommissioning programme.

SMEs are being urged to volunteer to be one of the destinations the mission visits.

Businesses will provide a tour around their premises and demonstrate their capabilities, as well as talking directly to the people who manage multi-million pound frameworks and contracts for Sellafield.

Eden District Council is also hosting a short networking session for businesses to meet with Sellafield and its suppliers.

Councillor Kevin Beaty, leader of Eden District Council, said: “This is a really great way for us to showcase the excellence in our SME community.

"We believe that the nuclear decommissioning programme offers exciting opportunities for businesses in Penrith and Eden and we are delighted that Sellafield have chosen to come to Penrith on their trade mission.”

John Berry, Sellafield Ltd supply chain manager, said: “Our trade missions are a chance for businesses to get their foot in the door of the multi-billion pound nuclear decommissioning market.

"We’re also keen to dispel the myth that our tier two contractors are only looking to procure construction and engineering services.

“In reality, they buy a full range of professional and ancillary services like training, hotel rooms, stationery – you name it.”