South West Businesses Gear up for Nuclear

The announcement earlier this week that the UK government will guarantee a £2billion loan guarantee to help fund the construction of Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, coupled with the final investment decision expected next month, will kick start significant nuclear-sector opportunities in the South West.

Fifteen projects within the South West alone are estimated to be worth £50bn over the next two decades.

Today, the nuclear industry provides employment for approximately 7,700 people in the South West and future requirements will see 42,400 person years of employment across the manufacturing, construction and operation sectors.  This is equivalent to the London Olympics- but with greater demand for higher and specialist skills.

Phil Smith, Managing Director of Business West said: “Apart from the South West, every area in the UK with nuclear activity has a business network supporting it. With this in mind, Business West has worked with Davies Nuclear Associates (DNA) to set up Nuclear South West, a much needed nuclear sector business platform in the region.  

“The idea behind Nuclear South West membership is to bring businesses together to support those aspiring to get into the lucrative nuclear sector supply chain.  Working with industry partners and our members we want to ensure the South West gets as much benefit as possible from opportunities in the nuclear sector.”

Nuclear South West launched on 22 September, as a not- for- profit initiative to enable businesses to network, facilitate supply chain development, share knowledge and most importantly secure new business.

The launch was an opportunity, not only to explain how Nuclear South West will be responsive to the needs of its members, but for the industry to articulate what it wants out of this much needed nuclear sector business platform.

The benefits of membership will include regular events and training, networking and partnering, information and intelligence, promotional opportunities and access to key industry areas, not only new build, but decommissioning and defence also.

Gareth Davies, Director of Davies Nuclear Associates said, "The launch was a great success, perfectly timed on the back of the government’s loan guarantee of £2billion to help fund the construction of Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.  With some 150 potential members in attendance, there is a real interest in getting the network off the ground and making it a success. We look forward to working with Business West and spreading the word about the vast range of future opportunities in the nuclear sector.”

For more information on the launch and for NSW membership opportunities please visit Business West's website http://www.businesswest.co.uk/nuclear south west/