The Hinkley Supply Chain Programme has directly supported £180million worth of contracts won within the South West, with more than 1,000 jobs created thanks to the programme’s input.
The Programme that was funded by the Heart of the SW LEP, West of England Combined Authority and the Welsh Government for 6 years has recently produced an end of project report which reveals the grand scale of ongoing benefits the Programme has unlocked over its term – for the South West region and the nuclear industry nationally.
It shows more than 1,300 companies in the South West and South Wales have received support to date. The legacy of the programme is strong, with significant opportunities remaining in the live opportunities pipeline to bid for.
In addition, 41 companies have come to the region with the support of the supply chain project, creating more than 2,000 jobs in the process.
Sam Orchard, South West Inward Investment Manager & Nuclear Supply Chain Specialist at SWMAS LTD, who were the lead partner in the delivery team that included the Somerset Chamber and Business West said:
“We are proud to share these results as an integral part of the inward investment growth we’ve seen in the South West to date.
“Whilst these results don’t come as a surprise, given the steady stream of new businesses entering the South West and the boom of new job opportunities available, we want to take this opportunity to celebrate the constructive support the programme has offered. It has laid the foundations for literally millions of pounds of future contracts to land successfully.”
Andrew Cockcroft, Senior Stakeholder Relations Manager, Hinkley Point C, said: “From the outset we have worked hard to maximise opportunities for people and businesses across the Southwest. Working together with the Supply Chain Programme has enabled us to unlock the huge social and economic opportunities that the first new nuclear power station in a generation provides – building local business capability and allowing people to get better jobs and skills, in turn driving growth and prosperity across the region.”
The Hinkley Point C nuclear power project is the only live nuclear new build in the country and will significantly contributing to the government’s aim to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The local Hinkley Supply Chain Service run by the Somerset Chamber was originally commissioned by EDF to help local businesses to win opportunities at Hinkley Point C. The introduction of the 6 year programme was an extension of this support and allowed for fully funded business support and training for eligible businesses.
Phil Smith, Managing Director of Business West said: “The pioneering Hinkley Supply Chain programme has been instrumental in creating a first in a generation nuclear supply chain here in the UK.
“Many local companies simply wouldn’t have been able to develop the skills and knowledge needed to win contracts at Hinkley Point C and beyond, without the support of the Hinkley Supply Chain Team. Their ability to build business cases, facilitate partnerships with local companies and create the right conditions for overseas companies to invest in South West England needs to be celebrated and applauded.”
Since March 2017 the Hinkley Supply Chain Programme has supported SME companies across the South West to access opportunities linked to the Hinkley Point C project, matching and promoting key opportunities over 7,500 times.
Whilst the programme has strengthened the South West’s status as a nuclear hub nationally, it has also attracted crucial foreign direct investment.
Ends
For more information, please contact Jasmine Gordon at Distinctive Communications on jasmine.gordon@distinctivecomms.co.uk or 07716 087868.
Notes to editors
The Hinkley Supply Chain Team managed by the Somerset Chamber are commissioned by EDF to help manage the South West supply chain. They work with Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors to identify work packages and clarify the requirements that can then be matched to the capabilities within the supply chain.
Nuclear South West
Nuclear South West is a public-private partnership of industry, academic and public sector, established to champion the South West nuclear industry as the premier destination for investment, innovation and growth.
It is strongly supported by the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, The SW Nuclear Hub and Business West, together with a number of other important stakeholders in recognition of the South West’s unique potential for nuclear and being the catalyst for transformational growth.