ScanReach is set to play an even greater role in supporting the future of the UK’s renewable energy sector after its Sales Manager, Henry McCann, was selected as one of RenewableUK’s inaugural NextGen Champions.

The appointment will see Henry work alongside RenewableUK and fellow Champions from across the renewable energy industry to help shape the organisation’s rapidly growing NextGen Network. Designed to support professionals in the early stages of their careers, the initiative provides a platform for emerging leaders to influence the future direction of the sector, helping attract, develop and retain the talent needed as the UK’s renewable energy industry continues to expand.

For ScanReach, the appointment provides a valuable opportunity to contribute directly to conversations around workforce development, skills, innovation and the future of offshore wind, while ensuring the experience and perspectives of technology providers and SMEs help inform one of the industry’s leading professional networks.

Henry joins an inaugural cohort representing organisations including Siemens Gamesa, Ørsted, DNV, ScottishPower Renewables and Nadara.

“Being selected as a RenewableUK NextGen Champion is a great opportunity to help shape the future of the industry’s NextGen Network while representing the perspective of technology innovators and SMEs within the offshore wind supply chain,” said Henry McCann, Sales Manager at ScanReach.

“For ScanReach, it is an opportunity to contribute to important conversations around workforce development, innovation and the skills needed to support the continued growth of offshore wind. I am looking forward to working with RenewableUK and the other Champions to help ensure the network delivers real value for both individuals and the wider industry.”

Drawing on his own career transition from the Royal Navy into offshore wind, Henry also hopes to encourage more professionals from defence and other sectors to consider careers in renewable energy.

“My career has taken me from the Royal Navy into offshore wind, giving me experience across marine, offshore and engineering environments before joining ScanReach. I hope that perspective will help encourage more people from defence and other industries to see renewable energy as an exciting career opportunity.

“I also want to be a strong voice for SMEs. Smaller businesses play a vital role in delivering innovation across the offshore wind sector, but their challenges are not always fully recognised. I look forward to ensuring those businesses are represented as the industry continues to grow.”

“Henry’s appointment is a fantastic achievement for both him and ScanReach,” said Sven Brooks, CEO of ScanReach. “The offshore wind industry depends on attracting and developing talented people from a wide range of backgrounds, and programmes like RenewableUK’s NextGen Network are helping make that happen.

“Having Henry represent ScanReach within this influential group allows us to contribute directly to discussions that will shape the industry’s future workforce, while ensuring the experience and perspectives of innovative technology companies are part of that conversation. It also reinforces our commitment to supporting the offshore wind sector not only through our technology, but through active engagement with the people and organisations driving its future.”

“We’re delighted to welcome Henry as one of RenewableUK’s inaugural NextGen Champions,” said Alex Cannon-Polizzy, NextGen Lead at RenewableUK. “We’re excited to see him contribute fresh ideas, engage with the NextGen community and help shape the future of the network over the coming year.”

ScanReach has become an established technology partner to the offshore wind sector, with its ConnectPOB personnel tracking and safety solution now widely deployed across offshore wind vessels. Henry’s appointment further strengthens the company’s relationship with RenewableUK and reflects ScanReach’s continued commitment to improving safety, supporting operational excellence and contributing to the long-term growth of the industry.

RenewableUK’s NextGen Network supports professionals within their first 10 years in the renewable energy industry, as well as those transitioning from other sectors. Through networking events, site visits, webinars and professional development opportunities, the initiative is helping build the skilled workforce needed to deliver the UK’s energy transition.