Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that local small businesses will be part of the supply chain for the Hinkley Point C development.

The Government is working with the developer, EDF Energy, and its industrial delivery partners to identify opportunities for UK businesses, including local small businesses, in the supply chain for the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant development. EDF Energy has indicated that 57% of the construction opportunities at the new power plant will go to UK companies, and there will be significant opportunities for local businesses to provide goods and services to the site. Support from Government is being provided in various ways, including through the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and the Manufacturing Advisory Service to help companies in the region, and nationally, to enhance their competitiveness.

In addition, support is being provided for local supply chain brokerage, enhancement of skills, improving local employability, and attracting inward investors to the region to generate growth and job opportunities. To help coordinate this activity, the relevant Government departments (the Department for Energy and Climate Change, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Department for Work and Pensions, Department for Communities and Local Government, Department for Transport and their agencies) participate in the Hinkley Strategic Delivery Forum, working in partnership with the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, local authorities and skills bodies.