COMS, based at Westlakes Science and Technology Park, provides operational, maintenance, and engineering services to the nuclear and regulated industries. Collaboration with AXIOM through the DSA has been central to our success. Our experts help plan and implement new builds, extend the life of assets, and support decommissioning.

Today COMS employs 80 staff, 13 in management and business support, and 67 in delivery roles, all fully qualified across multiple disciplines. Functional areas are deployed in 10 delivery teams, working flexibly and effectively across a wide range of projects.

Opening the Gate to Growth

Working with AXIOM through the DSA contract provided COMS with the opportunity to enter the highly regulated nuclear industry. This collaboration became the springboard for our growth, helping us expand to 80 employees across 10 integrated delivery teams. It gave COMS the platform to demonstrate capability and thrive in a sector where credibility is critical.

Proving Value on Mission-Critical Delivery

Through the DSA, COMS has supported Sellafield with projects central to safety, compliance and operational success. From commissioning to safety case reviews, our work has reduced risk, strengthened compliance, and proven our ability to deliver on the most challenging assignments.

Outcomes and Achievements

Through the DSA, COMS has delivered:

• 172 Plant Modification Proposals
• 105 Technical Basis of Maintenance Tasks
• 100 PUWER assessments
• 260 LC24 Instructions
• 40 Long-term safety case reviews

These achievements highlight COMS’ role in strengthening compliance, reducing risk, and supporting the safe operation of Sellafield facilities.

Social Value

COMS remains deeply rooted in West Cumbria and is committed to giving back to the community. Since 2014, we have donated nearly £52,000 to local charities, sports clubs, and community organisations. In 2024, we celebrated our 10th anniversary with a fundraising event in support of the Great North Air Ambulance. Social value continues to be central part of who we are and how we work.

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PPP was mobilised in 2019 and is transforming major infrastructure delivery at the nuclear site in the north of England. The partnership brings together Sellafield Ltd as the client, KBR, Amentum, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, and Altrad Babcock, plus a wider supply chain to deliver major projects over a 20-year period. Each of the projects will play a vital role in ensuring Sellafield can empty ponds and silos, manage the waste and store it safely for decades to come.

Cumbria 0&M Services Ltd scope will encompass Commissioning and Pre-Operations Professional Services. The Preferred Partners will be responsible for providing suitably qualified and experienced personnel working under a NEC 4 form of contract to support PPP with Commissioning and Pre-Operations as set out within the relevant contract.

The exact nature and scope of services will be detailed on a project-by-project basis with an NEC4 PSSC contract setting out the specific scope.

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COMS has experienced significant growth over the past year, with projections for further expansion over the next 12 to 36 months. The company continues to increase collaboration with both SMEs and multi-national organisations and has a strong pipeline of opportunities across multiple sectors and geographical locations. As COMS scales, these appointments will support the formalisation of its commercial, compliance, and sustainability activities, ensuring continued alignment with client needs and industry standards.

Paul Sutton – Engineering and Compliance Director

Paul brings over 23 years of experience in nuclear site operations and engineering management, having held leadership and compliance roles at Sellafield, Nuclear Waste Services, and AWE. His extensive background includes positions such as Head of Engineering, Head of Engineering Assurance, Nuclear Safety Case Manager, Operations Manager, Design Authority, Licence Condition Owner, Site Sentencing Authority, and Principal Designer.

Paul was a member of the Nuclear Engineering Directors Forum from 2015 to 2023 and plays an active role in the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), serving on the Cumbria Members Group Committee, mentoring professionals on their career paths, and acting as a Professional Reviewer for IChemE Chartered Engineer applications.

Paul Sutton commented:

“COMS has been on an exciting journey of growth and expansion since its formation in 2014. I joined COMS so I could play my part in this growth and use my nuclear industry and mentoring experience to add value to COMS and its client base. In addition, the broader mission of delivering excellence is something that deeply resonates with me. I’m absolutely delighted to be part of the COMS Team.”

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first few weeks at COMS; I’ve been made to feel so welcome. It’s been brilliant getting to know the COMS teams and our clients, and I’m looking forward to leading engineering, commissioning, and start-up activities while also providing leadership across the wider compliance functions.”

In addition to overseeing engineering, commissioning, and start-up activities, Paul will also provide leadership across the wider COMS compliance functions, ensuring legal, regulatory, and internal compliance requirements are met.

Gareth Monkhouse – Commercial and Compliance Manager

Gareth’s appointment comes at a critical time as COMS strengthens its commercial frameworks and compliance initiatives. His expertise will help enhance business processes, drive efficiency, and ensure regulatory alignment across the company’s expanding operations.

Gareth Monkhouse added:

“Joining COMS at this stage of its journey is a fantastic opportunity. With increased collaboration and a growing presence in multiple sectors, I look forward to supporting the team in maintaining robust commercial and compliance strategies that will drive continued success.”

These leadership appointments will ensure COMS remains at the forefront of the industry, delivering high-quality engineering and commercial services while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability, compliance, and operational excellence.

Cliff Woodman, Director at COMS, said:

“The continued success and expansion of COMS mean that having the right leadership in place is essential. Paul and Gareth bring extensive expertise in their respective fields, which will strengthen our ability to deliver innovative solutions for our clients. Their appointments mark an exciting chapter for the business as we continue to grow, develop strategic partnerships, and drive sustainable progress.”

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The Construction Professional Services agreement is a dynamic purchasing system (DPS) available to all UK central government departments, agencies, and public bodies, as well as wider public sector organisations and charities. Through this framework, customers can access a range of expert services, including:

• Project management
• Cost management
• Civil, structural, and electrical engineering
• Architectural and design services
• Environmental and sustainability solutions

Being part of this agreement enables COMS to support organisations across the public sector in delivering innovative, sustainable, and efficient projects.

Cliff Woodman, Director of COMS, commented:

“Joining the Crown Commercial Service Construction Professional Services agreement is a significant milestone for COMS. It reinforces our commitment to providing top-tier services and innovative solutions that align with the UK’s goals for sustainability and value for taxpayers.”

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. In 2023/24, CCS helped the public sector to achieve commercial benefits worth £4.9 billion, supporting world-class public services that deliver best value for taxpayers.

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This new company will mirror the capabilities of its parent company while focusing specifically on Commissioning and Completions within the energy sector.

Supporting the new UK government’s plans to transition from a carbon intensive energy sector to becoming a clean energy superpower, COMS Energy Ltd. will target several key industries, including:
• The decarbonisation of Oil & Gas
• Green Hydrogen & Storage
• Wind, Solar, and Wave Energy
• Carbon Capture and Storage
• Biomass Energy & Biofuels

Nuclear will remain the clear focus of Parent Company, Cumbria O&M Services Ltd, which will continue to provide its high levels of customer-aligned services in the Nuclear Sector.

Cliff Woodman will take the role of Chair and Non-Executive Director to the Executive Board whilst Grant Taylor and John Garratt become Executive Directors.  A new Operations Director for COMS Energy will be announced in due course ensuring the operations of both companies remain independent and aligned to their chosen sectors whilst benefiting significantly from the synergies of a group structure. Grant Taylor and his operations teams will remain fully aligned to COMS and its activities in the Nuclear sector.

COMS Energy Ltd. will build on the reputation of the COMS brand and offer the same levels of customer focus, specialist services and excellence in delivery, in the delivery of Pre-Operations, Commissioning, Completions, Handover, Operations and Maintenance services.

Cliff Woodman comments
“It has long been the intention of our parent company to increase our geographical footprint whilst keeping our core business based in our Cumbrian offices. We have taken a massive step forward in our plans for a UK commissioning and pre-operations centre of excellence based right here in Whitehaven.”

Grant Taylor comments
“Our ten years’ experience in delivering high quality professional services within the nuclear sector has built a solid foundation that has enabled us to create COMS Energy. The opportunity to transfer our skills, expertise, and experience to support the UK’s plans to be a clean power trailblazer is a tremendous opportunity”

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Natasha Banks, specialist fundraiser at GNAAS, said:

“We are thrilled to receive a donation of more than £10,000 from COMS and have them as one of our Corporate Partners. As a charity, we do not receive any government funding and have to raise approximately £8.5m to remain operational, so we are very grateful for their support. This generous donation will help our doctors, pilots and paramedics continue to help critically ill or injured people across the region.”

COMS’s dedication to community welfare is also reflected in our environmental initiatives and support for local youth through work experience and apprenticeship programs.

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Company Background: 

Ten years ago, in 2014, Cliff Woodman and Dave Garratt laid the groundwork for what would become Cumbria O&M (Operations & Maintenance) Services (COMS). Their journey began earlier when Cliff sought new career opportunities after working in the pharmaceutical industry. Around the same time, Dave, who had recently transitioned to a contract position after a long career at Sellafield, proposed Cliff join his team on a short-term project in the nuclear industry.

Their combined expertise in maintenance and asset care, having jelled from that successful project, sparked the inception of COMS. With the launch of Sellafield Ltd’s Small to Medium Size Enterprise (SME) initiative and a discernible gap in the market, COMS embarked on its maiden project in December 2014, collaborating with Atkins Ltd and Sellafield Ltd on the Site Security Enhancements Programme (SSEP). The addition of Grant Taylor, bringing operational insight, solidified COMS’s foundation.

Milestones and Achievements:

The inaugural contract with Sellafield proved pivotal, propelling COMS towards remarkable growth and garnering business essentials such as ISO quality, safety and environmental certifications and all required security clearances. Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, COMS showcased resilience by fortifying agile working practices and developing bespoke procedures. Having doubled in size annually for the initial years and again, post pandemic, expanding its workforce and capability, COMS now boasts a team of over 80 experienced nuclear professionals and capable business support team members.

Growth and Expansion:

COMS’s tailored skill sets have seamlessly aligned with the nuanced demands of the nuclear and regulated industry sectors. While opportunities beyond this realm beckon, COMS remains steadfast in its commitment to nuclear civil and nuclear defence projects, prioritising safety and stringent standards. As the industry continues to expand, COMS is a valuable asset, helping to ensure safe, efficient, and responsible nuclear operations plus economic growth in West Cumbria.

Impact on Customers and Community:

COMS distinguishes itself by addressing client challenges within defined scopes, delivering solutions autonomously to minimise disruption to clients and their workforce. The numerous long standing client partnerships in place, repeat contracts and positive references are testament to that and something the team are very proud of.

Beyond business endeavours, COMS actively supports the West Cumbrian community through various local Social Impact initiatives and having contributed circa £40,000 to charitable causes over the past decade. In honour of their 10th anniversary in the Summer of 2024, COMS are pledging all proceeds from a series of events to the Great North Air Ambulance. Engaging in environmental initiatives and offering opportunities for local youth, via work experience and apprenticeships, underscore COMS’s dedication to community welfare.

Employee Perspective:

Employees at COMS appreciate the autonomy and integrated work style that empowers them to build strong relationships with clients. This approach enables them to focus on specific projects and support clients effectively. Team leads engage in local business development, fostering organic growth within their areas of expertise and positive working relationships.

Future Plans:

Eyeing a permanent residence at Westlakes Science Park, near Whitehaven, COMS aims to accommodate future expansion while exploring new avenues within the nuclear market, locally and nationally, including potential partnerships with several industry giants in the pipeline. A recent collaboration with three other Cumbrian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) — Forth Engineering, React Engineering, and CORE Nuclear Solutions’ – is an exciting and promising development. This joint venture, named ‘Resolve Engineered Solutions’, is a strategic partnership that provides end-to-end engineering services, bringing together the unique strengths and capabilities of each company.

Plans for making inroads to different market segments, more diverse career pathways into COMS, as well as achieving ambitious sustainability goals are also in development.

Reflections on the Journey:

COMS has faced numerous challenges over the years, particularly as a startup in the nuclear industry, known for its high standards of regulatory compliance and thorough procurement processes. The support of, and collaboration with, established companies was crucial in helping COMS navigate these early hurdles, which lay a strong foundation for the rapid and continued growth that followed. Occasional budgetary constraints, project disruptions and national resource shortfalls posed further obstacles along the way. It can also be challenging to disclose some of COMS activities in the public domain to raise awareness of the excellent work the team does, especially when there are so many security and confidentiality aspects relating to projects that need to be considered. The reputation COMS has within its industry as being professional, reliable, skilled and adaptable, has overcome this and enabled its remarkable organic growth.

Focussing on its core offering by outsourcing non-core activities has ensured that their full attention is on client satisfaction and that local specialist resources are on hand to support their growth projections.

Working within the nuclear industry has taught COMS many lessons and that the willingness and ability to adapt to challenges is essential. Clients and projects are all unique. COMS prides itself on its high standards of understanding client requirements. We excel at defining and scoping work, establishing what is required and when. We’re committed to delivering against what has been promised and adapting when unforeseen circumstances arise.

As COMS commemorates its ten-year milestone, the journey thus far serves as a testament to resilience, innovation, and community spirit. With eyes set on the horizon, COMS remains poised to conquer new frontiers, guided by a steadfast commitment to excellence and collaboration.

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The awards ceremony provided a unique opportunity to join forces with fellow members of the Supply Chain family and clients to celebrate the collective successes achieved through collaboration. The evening showcased outstanding contributions across various categories aligned with Morgan Sindall Infrastructure’s five ‘Total Commitments’ that underpin their approach to being a responsible business.

Among the accolades presented, COMS proudly claimed the title of SME of the Year. This achievement reflects our dedication to delivering exceptional services and our role as a valuable partner within the supply chain.

Expressing gratitude for this remarkable achievement, Cliff Woodman, Business Director at COMS, said, “Winning SME of the Year is a tremendous honour, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone in the Cumbria O&M Services Ltd team for their continued hard work and professionalism. Our clients’ trust in us and the outstanding services and products provided by our own supply chain have been integral to this success. This win is a testament to the collective efforts of the entire team—a true team effort.”

The Morgan Sindall Supply Chain Awards covered a range of categories, including New to Nuclear, Outstanding Contribution to Innovation, Perfect Delivery Achievement, Outstanding Contribution to Responsible Business, Protecting People, Improving the Environment, Enhancing Communities, Pre-Construction Support, Excellence in Quality, Innovator of the Year, Perfect Delivery, and Supply Chain Family Member.

Cliff extends his congratulations to the other winners and nominees, acknowledging the shared success and celebration within the industry. Looking forward, COMS remains dedicated to continued growth and excellence, with a commitment to delivering top-notch services to our clients.

“We’re on an upward trajectory at COMS, and this recognition motivates us to aim even higher”. Cliff added.

To explore how COMS can benefit your project or package of work, contact us for a free consultation.

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The collaboration comes at a time when the demand for integrated engineering solutions is on the rise. With Resolve’s inception, the four firms are set to create a straightforward and effective route for clients to access key project and engineering skills. The combination of the specialist services offered by the four partners, into a complete package, provides a simple way of accessing key capabilities, based locally to client sites.

Each partner in Resolve Engineered Solutions brings a distinct skill to the table. React Engineering specializes in strategic project planning, Forth Engineering is known for its innovative engineering solutions, PAR Systems contributes expertise in mechanical handling, and COMS serves as a specialist in pre-operations, commissioning, and integration.

Cliff Woodman, the Business Director at COMS, highlights the importance of Resolve in broadening the range of services available to the nuclear sector and other regulated industries: “Resolve allows us to offer a wider service offering to meet client needs, leveraging existing relationships and helping Cumbrian companies to compete at the national, and in the future, international level. Together we can be a global player, delivering from Cumbria.”

Resolve Engineered Solutions marks a milestone in the collaboration of Cumbrian SMEs, showcasing the collective commitment to providing high-quality engineering services on a comprehensive scale. The joint venture is positioned to enhance the region’s competitiveness in the engineering sector and offer a robust platform for national and international projects.

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COMS, are a Leading UK Provider of Operational, Maintenance and Engineering Services to the Nuclear Sector and Regulated Industries Nationwide. Based on the Westlakes Science Park in Whitehaven they employ 58 staff. This team includes specialist operations, maintenance and system engineers who often work on complex and high hazard regulated industry sites.

“Health & Safety of our team and all those we work with is paramount. COMS is proud of what the team has achieved and we will continue to strive for Health & Safety excellence!” Matthew Garratt, HSE Director at COMS

Maintaining a safe working environment for their personnel, clients and general public is one of the core values COMS have embodied at all levels of the business. They hold the ISO45001 certification for Health & Safety Management. This demonstrates how COMS have built an effective H&S management system for assessing risk and monitoring workplace activities, they proactively prevent ill-health and harm wherever possible and integrate employee wellbeing and wellness through initiatives.

As expert problem solvers it’s not surprising COMS now have these 500,000 hours without an LTA, as a safe way of working can always be found, no matter how complex the site and project.

To explore how COMS can help you get results, contact us for a free consultation.

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