Consultant Cyril Sweett has signed up the boss of rival Gleeds鈥 energy division to lead a push into the nuclear sector, as competition for new-build and decommissioning work hots up

Nigel Adcock, currently managing director of Gleeds Energy, will be global head of energy at Cyril Sweett from October, and will lead a drive to expand its energy business.

An industry source said: 鈥淭his is a significant move for Cyril Sweett as it shows it making a commitment to the sector.鈥

The move will be the first time Cyril Sweett has tried to become a major player in the energy sector, despite it already having a contract in France to help the Nantes nuclear project. Gleeds, Faithful + Gould, EC Harris, Turner & Townsend and Davis Langdon dominate the sector.

Adcock鈥檚 move, after 19 years at Gleeds, comes despite the fact his business is being lined up for a place on nuclear developer EDF鈥檚 new-build framework. 好色先生TV reported last week the firm was one of two in the running for the 拢30m consultancy job, although EDF has yet to confirm the appointment.

The move will be the first time Cyril Sweett has tried to become a major player in the nuclear sector

Dean Webster, Cyril Sweett鈥檚 chief executive, said he was looking to grow the business鈥 turnover to 拢5m from less than half a million in three years. 鈥淲e are delighted Nigel will head our global push,鈥 he said.

Adcock said: 鈥淐yril Sweett has a clear vision of where it wants to take the business, the right structure and a strong international presence.鈥

Gleeds announced last week it had restructured its energy business, merging petrochemicals and sustainability with nuclear in an attempt to double its 拢5m turnover. The arm will be managed by Stuart Ball.

Meanwhile, nuclear developer Horizon has awarded a preliminary project and programme management contract to US consultant CH2M Hill.