As the construction of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station hits a new peak, the project’s latest Socio-Economic Report reveals how its immense scale is helping drive growth and productivity across Britain, whilst giving the South West economy long term benefits. The full report and case studies can be read here.
The number of people working directly for the project in Britain is currently 18,000. Around 12,000 are working on the site itself, with 3,000 more expected in the next 12 months. With the fit-out phase accelerating, an additional 8,000 people are supporting the project as part of the supply chain, including factories in Bristol, Somerset, Wales and right across the country. 
This British supply chain of over 4,000 businesses now has the experience, skills and people to work on the next new nuclear projects at Sizewell C and future SMRs, as well as the other infrastructure and energy projects needed to drive growth in Britain. Case studies in the report show that businesses are growing their capability and workforce, helping them win new work beyond Hinkley Point C.
The advantage of hosting Britain’s first new nuclear project has helped the South West region position itself as a leading centre of nuclear and engineering skills, with around 3,500 nuclear jobs in Bristol alone and a new nuclear centre opening at Aztec West later this year.
Locally, the town of Bridgwater is seeing productivity levels 10% higher than surrounding towns whilst the district around Hinkley Point C has seeing an increase in the number of medium-sized companies that is ten-times higher than the South West region.
Stuart Crooks, Hinkley Point C’s Managing Director said: “Our huge scale gives us the opportunity to be a force for good and a catalyst for change. We’re driving growth across Britain and in our region by giving thousands of people new skills and helping businesses to expand. The work to establish a supply chain and develop new skills means Britain is ready for our next nuclear projects like Sizewell C and future small modular reactors, as well as other critical infrastructure.”
Matt Tudor, Vice Principle of Strategy and Partnerships at Bridgwater & Taunton College, said: “The collaboration with Hinkley Point C has made Bridgwater & Taunton College a leader in nuclear education and training and provided the local community with an economic boost through job creation and skill development. Most importantly, it has positioned the South West as a leading centre for nuclear and engineering excellence, ensuring long-tern skills development in the region.”
Full case studies can be found with the report
Berry & Escott – Bridgwater, Somerset 
Berry & Escott Engineering is a precision engineering firm which secured a major contract at Hinkley Point C to design training equipment to support the operational power station. This includes a “flow loop simulator”- a replica of key systems found across the site, including tanks, pipework and pumps. As a result, the company has more than doubled in size, going from 28 to 57 staff.
Lee Berry at Berry and Escott. said: “We’re tremendously proud to have achieved Tier One status for professional services on Europe’s largest construction site. The contract has enabled our company to grow and offer quality jobs to local people and train more apprentices. It’s incredible that the next generation of British nuclear engineers are honing their skills on equipment we’ve designed, here in Bridgwater”.
Turnbull Infrastructure & Utilities – Nailsea, North Somerset 
Turnbull Infrastructure & Utilities provides civil engineering design, build, operation, and maintenance operations across the construction site with a key specialism in water management and utility services.
Since its formation at the start of the construction phase, Turnbull has won contracts worth tens of millions of pounds. The company has experienced significant growth, with an initial team of just eight staff now expanded to over 230 employees based across the construction site and regional office. Over 90% of Turnbull’s employees are local, spanning a range of professions from operators to quantity surveyors, document controllers and project managers.
Turnbull retains a focus on developing its own staff and sourcing local talent. Whilst currently training 11 apprentices on-site at Hinkley Point C, Turnbull provides clear career pathways which span all skills levels and disciplines.
Turnbull’s extensive experience at Hinkley Point C and unique integrated supply model means it is now ready to support operational nuclear sites and nuclear new build opportunities such as Sizewell C.
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.
