Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS) was represented by its co-CEOs, Ben Whittard and Ciara Middlehurst, at two key UK-Japan events in Tokyo this October. Their contributions highlighted UK expertise in tackling complex technical challenges in nuclear decommissioning and advancing inclusive leadership within the STEM workforce.

Ben chaired the UK-Japan Nuclear Industry Forum panel discussion on approaches to complex retrievals in nuclear decommissioning. The session explored perspectives from strategic authorities, site operators, and supply chain representatives from both countries, with discussions centred on projects such as Fuel Debris Retrieval, in Japan, and MSSS/PFCS at Sellafield, in the UK.

Topics included waste characterisation, licensing, research and development planning, and opportunities for UK-Japan collaboration. Ben said: “It was a real honour to be invited to chair such a prestigious event and help recognise the progress being made by both the UK and Japan in nuclear decommissioning.  NTS’s role in the worldwide nuclear landscape is a vital one and it’s fantastic to see such global co-operation.”

Ciara Middlehurst spoke at the Power of Women in STEM Event, hosted by the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan.

The event featured a dedicated session for nuclear industry representatives, followed by broader cross-sector discussions. Ciara shared her experiences as a senior leader in the UK nuclear sector, reflecting on the importance of inclusive leadership and the contribution of women to innovation and excellence in STEM.

Speaking after the event, Ciara said: “I’m always thrilled to be able to share my story with other women in the nuclear industry. There are so many fantastic women out there doing pioneering work and I want to encourage others to pursue a career in the global nuclear industry.”

Ciara was also joined by Pete Buchan at the event, President of INS Japan, who participated in panel sessions on the technical landscape, innovations, and unique opportunities within the nuclear energy sector, and the women in STEM session.   

These engagements reflected NTS’s active role in international collaboration and its commitment to both technical progress and inclusive leadership within the nuclear industry.