Sizewell C unites supply chain to deliver lasting social benefits for East Suffolk

• New Site Social Benefits Forum connects contractors with local good causes to maximise social value contributions
• More than a dozen companies already signed up
• Plant contractor Tru7 removes asbestos from Millennium Wood, paving the way for its regeneration

Sizewell C has officially launched a new initiative to connect its supply chain with local good causes, creating lasting benefits for East Suffolk.

The new Site Social Benefits Forum brings together companies working on the project to coordinate and maximise their social value contributions.

Meeting quarterly, the forum ensures that equipment, resources, and expertise are directed where they can make the greatest positive impact.

The new initiative was officially announced by Sizewell C’s Chief Executive Officer Nigel Cann at the project’s Community Forum in Leiston on Thursday evening.

More than a dozen firms have joined so far, and the forum is already helping to deliver improvements for local organisations and community spaces.

Damian Leydon, Sizewell C’s Site Delivery Director, and chair of the new forum, said: “As part of our tender process, contractors looking to work on Sizewell C must demonstrate how they intend to make a positive social impact. This new forum is an effective way to help support the delivery of these commitments and I’m thrilled to see the difference it’s made so far.

“We’ve said from the start that we want to leave East Suffolk in a better shape than we found it. Initiatives such as these are yet another way in which we’re working with the local community for the greater good, while also building a power station that will benefit the country for decades to come.”

One of the first projects supported through the forum took place in January, when plant contractor Tru7 removed asbestos and dilapidated buildings from Millennium Wood in Leiston.

The unused area – created in 2000 to promote biodiversity, wellbeing, recreation and environmental education – had become neglected and overgrown.

Tru7 has now cleared the land so it can once again serve as a tranquil space for the community.

Gary Renouf, Managing Director at Tru7 Contracting, said: “Being involved in the recent works at Millennium Wood in Leiston has been a genuine privilege for the Tru7 Group. We are honoured to have played a part in preparing the area for public enjoyment.

“We look forward to seeing it flourish as a peaceful and accessible space for the people of Leiston, reflecting our commitment to delivering positive social impact wherever we can.”

Further improvements to Millennium Wood will follow, which may include planting, a new path, hedgehog hotels, log piles and nesting boxes to enhance habitat diversity. These works will be delivered by Sizewell C contractor, Freedom Group.

Councillor Lesley Hill, mayor of Leiston, who visited the site during the works, said: “Thank you to everyone who has contributed their time and energy to revitalising Millennium Wood. Your hard work is helping to transform the site into a welcoming space and making it ready to grow into a thriving community woodland.

“By opening it up, improving access and working together to enhance habitat and biodiversity, we are creating a place that will benefit residents and wildlife for generations. We look forward to continuing this shared stewardship as the woodland develops.”

The forum has also supported a range of other community initiatives. Contractor Dalkia recently helped Citizens Advice East Suffolk by clearing unwanted items from its Leiston office, while Volker Fitzpatrick and Flannery jointly funded the installation of new SuDSPods at the Long Shop Museum. These innovative units will manage surface water at the museum, improving sustainability and supporting one of the area’s most cherished heritage attractions.

The Suffolk Community Foundation – which already manages the £23m Sizewell C Community Fund – is also strengthening links between contractors and local organisations.

The charity has launched the Suffolk Infrastructure Fund, inviting contractors working on Sizewell C and other nationally significant infrastructure projects to make one-off or annual contributions. All donations are pooled and distributed to local charities.

Hannah Bloom, Chief Executive of Suffolk Community Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to launch the Suffolk Infrastructure Fund. With Suffolk Community Foundation’s deep understanding of the county’s voluntary sector and local needs, every contribution is directed safely and effectively.

“By pooling donations and each participating company having a seat on the panel, organisations have a meaningful opportunity to create lasting, positive change for people and communities across Suffolk.”

The launch of the new fund and forum highlights how major infrastructure projects can work hand-in-hand with local charities and community groups to create lasting benefits for the community.

Images can be downloaded here