Hinkley opportunities for North Somerset businesses still remain

There are still vast opportunities for businesses in North Somerset, and the wider south west, to be part of the Hinkley Point C supply chain, according to the Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

EDF Energy recently announced that it will be re-focusing activities in the short term to control its costs.

And the Somerset Chamber, which manages the Hinkley Supply Chain Portal, insists there is still work to be done in preparing the supply chain to ensure the county is in a strong position to benefit from the investment when the project moves forward.

Rupert Cox, CEO of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, comments: “It is disappointing but not surprising that EDF has made the decision to rationalise its activity as it has probably done all the work it can at this stage of the project.

“However, we still believe a deal will be struck with Government as it is in both parties’ interests.

“The Government needs to secure a robust, cost-effective and sustainable energy supply for the generations to come, while EDF needs to maximise its existing investment in the British nuclear industry by developing more power stations as part of the UK’s new nuclear programme.

“Locally we will continue to prepare the Somerset supply chain for the tremendous opportunities that Hinkley C will bring, and we will continue to develop relationships with the preferred top tier contractors to make sure that they are aware of the huge pool of supply chain resource that they should be tapping into here in Somerset.”

As well as nuclear-related industries, the Hinkley project will require involvement from a wide range of other sectors, from professional services to food and drink suppliers, and from construction companies to designers.

To register your interest or find out more about the Hinkley supply chain opportunities, contact the Somerset Chamber of Commerce on 01823 444924 or visit www.hinkleysupplychain.co.uk