More than 160 people heard about the latest progress and opportunities at the Agratas development near Bridgwater on Tuesday when they attended a business breakfast organised by Somerset Chamber of Commerce.
Guest speakers from Agratas, contractors Sir Robert McAlpine, NG Bailey and TClarke gave updates about the multi-billion-pound project which will create the UK’s biggest state-of-the-art battery manufacturing facility in Puriton.
There was an update on the skills support being provided by UCS College Group to ensure future school and college leavers have the right skills to work at the factory once it is complete. 
Nick Cooper, Community Engagement Manager, at Agratas said: “It was wonderful to see so many people interested in Agratas and the possibilities our new battery manufacturing facility will bring to Somerset.
“It truly is an important development and investment in the area, and it’s been a great opportunity to update the community on our progress and what’s still yet to come, alongside our local business community.”
Construction is well underway, supporting more than 2,200 direct jobs and an around 7,500 jobs throughout the supply chain, for the duration of the build.
At full capacity, the site will support around 4,000 direct jobs, and once fully operational, Agratas estimated it will generate more than £700 million in economic value annually for the South West.
David Crew, Managing Director, Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “Somerset has many skilled and talented businesses who are ready to help deliver this exciting project.
“Our business breakfast was a sell-out and gave attendees a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from the main contractors and to find more about progress and opportunities on site.
“Somerset Chamber is looking forward to continuing to support local businesses, Agratas and its partners to mobilise and deliver this transformative project.”
It was the second sell-out business breakfast with Agratas organised by Somerset Chamber this year.
From left, Nick Cooper of Agratas, Matt Beaven of sponsor Jays Transport, Matt Tudor of UCS College Group, Phil Peregreen of TClarke, Glenn Hiscocks of Agratas, David Crew of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, Richard Young of NG Bailey and Ben Walker of Jays Transport.
Join Somerset Chamber of Commerce to give your business a stronger voice both locally, regionally and nationally. Combined with local town chambers, we represent over 2,000 businesses across Somerset with a direct line to policy-makers at all levels.
