South West can spark huge growth in nuclear sector

The success of the South West’s nuclear industry can play a pivotal role in sustaining the government’s growth ambitions, according to Lord Hutton, chair of the  Nuclear Industry Association.

Former Business Secretary John Hutton outlined opportunities and challenges facing the sector at Nuclear South West’s annual conference in Bristol.

He told delegates that the major construction activity taking place at Hinkley Point C new nuclear Power Station in Somerset will be followed by further new build projects elsewhere in the UK, unlocking billions in new investment and creating more than 12,000 jobs.

 

Speaking at the conference, Lord Hutton said: “Hinkley is the start of an exciting new era for the nuclear industry and will be followed by further projects across the country.

“These will inevitably provide major opportunities for UK industry, particularly for companies that get in early. Nuclear South West can play an important role in helping them to do this, and therefore in supporting growth and jobs right across the South West.”

Speaking of progress at Hinkley Point C, the conference heard that the construction project employed 3,200 people on site and had awarded projects worth £1.3bn in the South West alone, supporting industry, local jobs and skills.

Lord Hutton also spoke of the importance of the £200m Nuclear Sector Deal agreed with Government, which paves the way for major new investment and further job creation.

He added: “The publication of the sector deal has been an important step for our industry and one for which we have worked intensively with government over many months”

“But publication is not the final act.  What we need to do now is to effectively implement the deal so the ambitious proposals it contains can be brought to fruition. This will require a great deal of work across all the key areas.”

Other speakers at the event included South West-based company SC Innovation, who have successfully grown their business by working in the nuclear industry. The company has recently completed tests on water filtration and cooling systems which will be used at Hinkley Point C nuclear power station and provided engineering advisory support for the construction of the jetty which is under construction at the site.

SC Innovation were supported by the Hinkley Supply Chain Programme team, which works with contractors to connect local companies with the opportunities linked to the new power station.

Joe Wilcox, Head of SC Innovation, said: “Focusing on nuclear has given us great exposure to new work in the South West, as well as new markets in Scotland, the North West and overseas.

“When the nuclear island starts being built at Hinkley Point C we will see an influx of highly skilled people coming to work in the region.

“The big drive is to bring people down here and show them that the South West has so much to offer professionally, as well as an excellent lifestyle.”

Matt Burley, Chair of Nuclear South West, concluded:“The industry has many reasons to be confident and optimistic about its future, thanks to the work taking place to sustain its growth.

“The South West’s nuclear cluster has the capacity and the capability to service all the industry’s needs. It has an unparalleled body of expertise and track record of delivery across all aspects new build, decommissioning and defence activity.

“It’s also a highly desirable destination for businesses and staff because of its combination of opportunity for growth, access to talent, professional development opportunities and quality of life.

“We look forward to continuing to work with partners in the South West and nationally to support it is success.”