Suffolk Chamber of Commerce & Sizewell C talk about job opportunities

By Marjorie Barnes | Published on 7 August 2020 | 3 min read

Nearly 250 Suffolk businesses packed Trinity Park in Ipswich earlier today (January 13th) to hear at first-hand how they could benefit from EDF Energy’s plans for a new power station at Sizewell at an event jointly hosted with Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.

Jim Crawford, Sizewell C project development director at EDF Energy, outlined the next steps after the current Stage 2 Consultation period ends on 3rd February.

“Constructive engagement during this consultation is vital for the project. The feedback from this stage will guide us toward shaping our plans ahead of a third stage of public consultation.”

Jim emphasized the importance of EDF Energy’s ongoing work with Suffolk Chamber in helping and supporting potential local suppliers and pointed to the company’s Hinkley Point C project in Somerset which has resulted in contracts with a value of over £460 million already signed with local and regional suppliers.

He added “Sizewell C will create jobs, skills, education and business opportunities and we are keen to make the most of these opportunities in Suffolk.”

It is estimated that 25,000 roles could be created during the peak construction phase, with 900 permanent roles needed once the station is producing energy. There is likely to be a significant uplift in the local skills during the lifetime of the station as EDF Energy has a proven track record in investing in its workforce.

John Dugmore, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive urged local businesses, including those in the services sector, to get themselves ready  and to get the inside track into opportunities and take the opportunity to ask questions of EDF Energy.

“Suffolk Chamber has a close working relationship with EDF Energy and our belief is clear: the nuclear industry is good for Suffolk and good for businesses here in Suffolk. We have invested in a Sizewell C Supply team to assist local businesses to take advantage of this once-in-a-generation opportunity.”

The Trinity Park event saw the relaunch of Suffolk Chamber’s Sizewell C Supply Chain website. The site aims to make it as easy as possible for local companies to register their interest in providing goods and services to this mightily important project.

John Dugmore added “I would urge every business in Suffolk to sign up to this Supply Chain website sooner rather than later.”

Suffolk Chamber’s Sizewell C Supply Chain team can also provide other types of support to local businesses, including its free Chamber Fit2Grow diagnostic service and signposting to the Fit for Nuclear (F4N) programme.

The team can be contacted at angela@suffolkchamber.co.uk

Posted by Marjorie Barnes

The Sizewell C comms team brings you news, updates, blogs and information on the Sizewell C project.