The event was held at the YMCA Bridgwater, Friarn Avenue, and with the change in the weather the views from the meeting room at the YMCA were spectacular, providing a wonderful backdrop for the networking event and the talks on Engaging with Hinkley.

Our first speaker was Chris Langdon who is responsible for leading the Hinkley Supply Chain Team that Somerset Chamber of Commerce delivers on behalf of EDF Energy explained how businesses could get involved and that they were committed to getting local companies involved in the Hinkley C project. The tier 1 contractors are asked to look into local suppliers rather than go directly to companies outside of the district.

There are a number of levels of contracts to supply the project and this gives plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Opportunities will also arise where businesses chose to supply Hinkley point and potentially leave a void behind that needs to be filled.

Anne Fraser followed who has been a member of Sedgemoor District Council since 1999 and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development for a number of years.

Anne outlined the huge financial investment in the area highlighting projects that have come to fruition because of Hinkley C. She also spoke about the grants and investments that have led to the growth of Bridgwater over the past few years and the positive outlook that this, combined with Hinkly C brings to the town.

Our final speaker was Simon Howes from South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (SWMAS).

SWMAS help and inspire ambitious manufacturers to develop their capabilities and enter new markets. In the South West SWMAS directly deliver support through many contracts including Fit For Nuclear and the South West Growth Fund. Simon explained how they could help businesses apply for tenders via the supply chain and asked that any business that needed information could get in touch.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the road improvements being carried out by EDF with representatives from EDF and Skanska to give additional information. This provided a lively Q&A and with plenty to talk about the meeting closed with attendees being given further opportunities to network.

You can read more about the roadworks on Bristol Road here