Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce is encouraging local businesses to make sure they are registered for supply chain opportunities linked to Hinkley Point C, the first new nuclear power station to be built in the UK for more than 20 years.

The project is already working with thousands of suppliers and remains a major source of contracts for Somerset and the wider South West. So far, more than 4,000 local businesses have registered their interest and South West contracts with a combined value of £3.2 billion have been awarded.

EDF and its partners are developing a robust supply chain made up of international, national and local firms. For Hinkley Point C they are working closely with Somerset Chamber of Commerce and local partners to ensure that Somerset based companies, including those in North Somerset, can easily find out about and apply for opportunities.

Businesses in many different sectors can benefit. Current and recent contracts cover construction activities such as remediation works, road improvement, ground works, fencing, plant hire and material transport, as well as a wide range of site services including catering, reprographics and design, fleet hire, landscape maintenance, electrical services, road sweeping and waste management. There are also opportunities to supply goods and materials such as aggregates, building materials and consumables.

EDF expects that around 64% of Hinkley Point C’s construction costs can be spent in the UK. The company also notes that experience gained on this project can help businesses build skills in the nuclear sector and position themselves for future work, including the proposed Sizewell C development in Suffolk and other major infrastructure schemes.

Somerset and South West businesses can register their interest in working on Hinkley Point C by visiting the Hinkley Supply Chain portal.

Joint events with Hinkley Point C for local businesses

This year Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce will also be working with the Hinkley Point C team to deliver three joint events for local businesses. These will include a connections breakfast and a guided visit to the Hinkley Point C site, giving attendees the chance to hear updates directly and see the scale of the project first hand. A further joint session is also planned later in the year.

These events are designed to help local companies stay informed about progress at Hinkley Point C and understand how to position themselves for supply chain opportunities.