East of England businesses unite to seize Sizewell C opportunities

• Around 1,000 businesspeople attend Sizewell C exhibition in Ipswich
• Local companies connect directly with large contractors helping to deliver the project
• Event highlights major long‑term economic opportunities for the region

Around 1,000 businesspeople from across the East of England attended a Sizewell C Business Exhibition, underlining the region’s strong ambition to play a central role in one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects.

Held on Thursday at Trinity Park in Ipswich, the event brought together companies from six counties for a day of networking, insight and opportunity.

Delivered by the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Sizewell C, the exhibition showcased Tier 1 contractors – those already delivering major contracts for the project – giving small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) direct access to key organisations shaping the next phase of construction.

Attendees met with experts, asked detailed questions, and explored how their skills, products, and services could support the new nuclear power station under construction on the Suffolk coast.

Nigel Cann, Chief Executive Officer, Sizewell C, said: “The supply chain event was nothing short of inspiring. To see so many people gathered in one room – each eager to play their part in our project – speaks volumes about the ambition and talent within this region. The passion shown by local SMEs and our Tier 1 partners highlights just how important Sizewell C is to the local economy, and how it will transform opportunities for businesses and for those who live and work here.

“Sizewell C truly is a once in a generation opportunity, and the enthusiasm shown at Thursday’s event further demonstrates how this region is ready to grasp it with both hands and make it a success.”

John Dugmore, Chief Executive, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, added: “This Supply Chain Exhibition demonstrates the scale of opportunity and collaboration surrounding Sizewell C, bringing together Tier 1 partners, and showcasing clear pathways for local and regional businesses to get involved. The project is significant for the East of England, driving long-term investment, skills, and economic growth. As Suffolk Chamber of Commerce continues to support Sizewell C, we are proud to champion meaningful local engagement and help ensure the project delivers on its commitment to regional prosperity and sustainable financial impact for our communities.”

The strong turnout reflected the region’s continued enthusiasm for joining Sizewell C’s growing supply chain. Businesses of all sizes – from established industry leaders to innovative SMEs – attended with a shared ambition to support project delivery and benefit from the economic growth it is set to bring.

Potential suppliers gained valuable insight into upcoming contract requirements, procurement processes, and longer‑term opportunities.

Justin Downer, Operations Director at Colchester‑based Tier 1 contractor Blackwell Earthmoving, said: “As a local contractor approaching our 70th anniversary we are proud that our workforce of over 150 people at Sizewell C are mostly from the local area. We are similarly proud to be encouraging women into construction and to increase our female workforce to at least 25%.

“Attending the Sizewell supply chain engagement events is an excellent opportunity for contractors and suppliers alike to engage and explore the vast opportunities that the Sizewell C project brings to local businesses.”

At peak construction, around 8,000 people will work at Sizewell C, with at least a third expected to come from East Anglia. A recent Oxford Economics report found the project could reduce unemployment in Suffolk by up to 2,200 people, lowering the county’s jobless rate from 2.7% to as low as 1.7%.

The project will also deliver at least 1,500 apprenticeships, with 540 earmarked for those in Suffolk.

To date, Sizewell C has awarded almost £1bn worth of contracts to businesses across the East of England.

Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, who attended the exhibition, said: “This event was a powerful reminder of the scale of opportunity this project brings to Ipswich and Suffolk, but also of what is already being delivered now.

“Bringing together lead contractors, supply chain partners, and training providers, the event demonstrated in full force Sizewell C’s commitment to supporting local jobs, skills and investment.

“I am also delighted 300 out of the 500 jobs I secured for Ipswich have already been delivered, and that £1 billion worth of contracts being awarded to businesses in our region. It underlines how this project is making an enormous difference to local people and communities.”