“Lexi has been instrumental in setting up and driving the cluster forward, she’s recognised for this by the entire steering group and all of our members. We thank her for her dedication, ongoing support and innovative approach”

Andrew Harston, Eastwind Chair

Client Overview:

Eastwind is the official offshore wind cluster for the eastern region of England - an area strategically critical to the UK’s renewable energy ambitions. Established to unite and elevate regional capabilities in offshore wind, the cluster plays a pivotal role in supporting supply chain evolution and driving collaboration between developers, SMEs, and policymakers.

The Challenge:

The eastern region’s energy supply chain is long-established, with decades of expertise in oil and gas. As the offshore wind sector expanded, there was a growing need to transition these mature businesses into the renewables space-equipping them with the insight, contacts, and capabilities required to meet the demands of a fast-evolving industry.

The Strategic Approach:

As founder and project manager of the Eastwind Cluster, Lexi took a hands-on approach to facilitating this transition, building a robust platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing while directly supporting individual businesses in adapting to new industry standards.

Launching and Leading the Cluster:

Eastwind was created to serve as the central hub for offshore wind in the East of England.

Strategic steps included:

• Launching and branding the cluster to attract regional stakeholders and national attention.

• Establishing governance and leadership frameworks to ensure long-term impact.

• Securing recognition and partnership opportunities with key industry bodies, including RenewableUK (RUK).

Supporting Supply Chain Transition:

Lexi led targeted efforts to help oil and gas-based businesses evolve and integrate into the renewables supply chain.

Key activities:

• Delivering bespoke consultancy support to individual businesses, helping them understand technical and operational requirements of offshore wind.

• Organising well-attended training sessions and industry events to provide insights into upcoming opportunities, procurement processes, and innovation needs.

• Signposting support and funding pathways, connecting companies with resources to build capacity and compliance for renewables work.

Enabling Collaboration and Visibility:

Through Eastwind, Lexi created a visible, inclusive platform where developers, service providers, and innovators could engage and collaborate.

Outcomes include:

• Positioning Eastwind as a trusted interface between the offshore wind industry and regional businesses.

• Facilitating connections between SMEs and Tier 1 contractors through speaker events, networking forums, and industry briefings.

• Maintaining active engagement to ensure long-term transition planning and strategic alignment across the region.

The Outcome:

The Eastwind Cluster has become a catalyst for change in the eastern energy sector:

• Recognised by RenewableUK as one of the most active offshore wind clusters in the UK

• Supported dozens of businesses in adapting to offshore wind project requirements

• Built a strong collaborative ecosystem, connecting regional capabilities to global industry opportunities

Conclusion:

By launching and leading the Eastwind Cluster, Lexi has helped bridge the gap between legacy energy expertise and the renewables future. Through tailored support, collaborative platforms, and strategic insight, the cluster continues to play a vital role in shaping the eastern region’s contribution to the UK’s net-zero goals.