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2 minute read

Nuclear agreement to unlock jobs and investment in South West

An agreement has been signed between economic development organisations in South West England and Normandy in France, which aims to create jobs, unlock opportunities and attract new investment to both regions.

The Memorandum of Understanding will see Nuclear South West and Nucleopolis work together to connect companies with £50bn worth of nuclear investments in South West England and an annual market in Normandy worth more than £1bn a year.

Hinkley Point C, the first new nuclear power station in the UK for a generation, will create 25,000 job opportunities / Picture: EDF Energy

 

Nucleopolis, the nuclear division of Normandie Energies, brings together the expertise of nearly 100 French organisations, covering research, industry and training, in the fields of energy, health and risk management. The nuclear sector employs around 28,000 people in Normandy.

Matt Burley, Nuclear South West’s chairman said: “This agreement is hugely important to us as it helps build awareness of the South West as a destination for companies to invest in and do business with the nuclear supply chain.

“France is recognised as being one of the most advanced nuclear nations and Nucleopolis has a significant role to play in helping the industry to grow. We look forward to developing our relationship with Nucleopolis and working closely to bring opportunities to the South West and France.”

The agreement follows more than 500 enquiries made to Nuclear South West and its partners during their recent attendance at the World Nuclear Exhibition in Paris. The team is working through these to establish further opportunities to build links with clusters in countries including Canada, Japan and South Africa.

Working together: Nuclear South West service manager Andy Bates (Right) with Serge Bouffard, VP of Normandie Energies / Picture: Nuclear South West

 

Serge Bouffard, Normandie Energies VP in charge of Nucleopolis, added:“We welcome the opportunity to work with Nuclear South West in our mission to promote the economic development of the nuclear sector in Normandy.”

“The collaboration enables companies to connect, build relationships and seek opportunities that benefit all of the French and British organisations involved. Nucleopolis is the ambassador of French nuclear excellence in Normandy. We will work with Nuclear South West to maintain and develop the sector for the benefit of our regions.”

As part of the agreement, the organisations will share knowledge and opportunities in the nuclear industry and encourage their respective members to explore opportunities to work together.

The deal follows a report commissioned by NSW which reveals that the South West region is ideally placed to capitalise on economic opportunities worth £50bn to the UK economy. The research states that South West-based SMEs, large companies and training providers could supply £15bn worth of work to the nuclear sector.