New MembersAugust’s new membersBlackdown Shepherd HutsCreates Shepherd HutsGeorge Bannister01460 929774www.blackdownshepherdhuts.co.ukEurosigns UK LtdSigns & Vehicle GraphicsRoger Habgood01934 421400www.eurosignsgb.co.ukGrads for GrowthGrads for GrowthOliver Laity07557 191637www.gradsforgrowth.co.ukGranny Gothards LtdTraditional Ice CreamsAmanda Stansfield01823 491591www.grannygothards.co.ukGreenslade Ground MaintenanceDavid Greenslades01278 653205www.greenslades.bizLightning Electrical ConstructionElectrical, Instrumentation InstallationsKeith Lightning0238 0865890www.lightninggroup.co.ukMindset TrainingConstruction Training ProvidersNeil McGuinness01373 464878www.mindset-training.co.ukPathfinder PartnersBusiness Change LeadersSimon Lawder01749 679109www.pathfinderpartners.co.ukPowertek Services LtdMathew Paul01275 848671www.powertek-services.co.ukSafetywiseHealth & Safety ConsultancyHelen Ibbotson01458 241480www.safety-wise.co.ukVisual Business ProductionsVideos, Film,ProductionsJohn Stephens07596 707829www.thevisualbusinessgroup.co.uk8 Previous pageBlackdown Shepherd HutsBlackdown Shepherd Huts is a family firm established bycousins William Vickery and George Bannister. Based inIlminster, Blackdown Shepherd Huts builds stunning,handmade shepherd’s huts that blend traditional beauty withmodern day luxury. The huts provide versatile, practical alternativeaccommodation.William Vickery, Blackdown Shepherd Huts Direc<strong>to</strong>r, says, “Ashepherd's hut is basically a mobile home used by shepherds <strong>to</strong>provide shelter as they herdedtheir flocks across the land.The first evidence <strong>of</strong> ashepherd's hut dates from1596 and they became acommon sight in SouthernEngland in the 1800’s assheep were moved across thelight chalky soils <strong>to</strong> fertilise theland. The shepherd's hut was their kitchen, bathroom, dining roomand s<strong>to</strong>reroom all rolled in<strong>to</strong> one.”But a 19th century shepherd would never have imagined theluxurious grandeur <strong>of</strong> modern shepherd's huts with their ownbespoke electrical and plumbing systems. George Bannister,Direc<strong>to</strong>r, says, “We were initially attracted by the diverse range <strong>of</strong>uses that shepherd's huts provide. The fact that in most cases theydo not require consent provides an attractive solution <strong>to</strong> the age oldproblem <strong>of</strong> planning."Mindset TrainingMindset Training is a construction trainingcentre located in Frome, <strong>Somerset</strong>. They were established threeyears ago and specialise in providing CITB HS&E (CSCS) testing andtuition, as well as a range <strong>of</strong> courses such as NRSWA Streetworks,NPORS Plant Operations, SSSTS and SMSTS in their purpose built,fully equipped and fully accredited test centre.They aim <strong>to</strong> <strong>of</strong>fer a friendly andunderstanding service, and withover 30 years <strong>of</strong> ‘muddy boots’experience across a variety <strong>of</strong>roles throughout theconstruction industry, theyunderstand their cus<strong>to</strong>mers.Neil McGuinness, ManagingDirec<strong>to</strong>r <strong>of</strong> Mindset Training, "We will continue <strong>to</strong> expand our course<strong>of</strong>fering and grow in<strong>to</strong> other areas such as getting local, unemployedyoung people in<strong>to</strong> work via community projects and training.Picture 1: Blackdown Shepherd Hut. Picture 2: Neil McGuinness <strong>of</strong> MindsetTrainingNext page
Breakfast with Ken OwenEDF Energy confirms its support for a<strong>Somerset</strong> supply chain for Hinkley Point CMore than sixty businesses attended an event at theWalnut Tree Hotel on 2 nd August <strong>to</strong> hear EDF Energyconfirm its commitment <strong>to</strong> using the local supply chainin <strong>Somerset</strong> wherever possible.is now up <strong>to</strong> each and every business <strong>to</strong> fullyunderstand what will be required <strong>of</strong> them <strong>to</strong> ensure theydon’t miss out due <strong>to</strong> lack <strong>of</strong> preparation. Being localmight start the conversation but it won’t win thecontract unless suppliers also bring best value safelyand at the required level <strong>of</strong> quality.”Ken Owen, Commercial Direc<strong>to</strong>r for Hinkley Point C,travelled <strong>to</strong> <strong>Somerset</strong> specifically <strong>to</strong> address localbusinesses registered on the Hinkley C Supply Chainportal. He outlined EDF Energy’s strategy <strong>to</strong> supportlocal supply chain activity but warned that, ascommitted as EDF Energy was <strong>to</strong> securing work for localcompanies, there would be no compromise on quality,value for money or reliability <strong>of</strong> supply.EDF Energy will be advising Tier 1 and 2 contrac<strong>to</strong>rstendering for contracts that they will be assessed ontheir level <strong>of</strong> proactive local supply chain engagement.EDF Energy’s preference would be for a local supplysolution where feasible, before engaging with a UKnational or multinational company.A new initiative has been developed in conjunction withthe <strong>Somerset</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Commerce</strong> <strong>to</strong> support thisstrategy. This will include activating two steering groups<strong>to</strong> focus on construction and service opportunities.These groups will be led by EDF Energy and the<strong>Somerset</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong>, working closely with selected<strong>Chamber</strong> members registered on the Supply Chain,relevant Tier 1 contrac<strong>to</strong>rs and education providers. Theremit <strong>of</strong> these groups will be <strong>to</strong> oversee localengagement in the delivery <strong>of</strong> the building programme<strong>to</strong> ensure, wherever feasible, that <strong>Somerset</strong> businessesreceive a fair opportunity <strong>to</strong> tender on a level playingfield.As part <strong>of</strong> this process, the <strong>Somerset</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong> will beencouraging local businesses <strong>to</strong> think creatively abouthow they can collaborate <strong>to</strong> win contracts at Hinkley,and will be putting <strong>to</strong>gether training and facilitationworkshops in support <strong>of</strong> proactive sec<strong>to</strong>r groups.Chris Langdon, who leads the Hinkley Point C SupplyChain on behalf <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Somerset</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong>, said, “KenOwen’s commitment <strong>to</strong> create real opportunity for<strong>Somerset</strong> suppliers at Hinkley C is both encouragingand challenging for the <strong>Somerset</strong> business community.The size <strong>of</strong> the opportunity is not in doubt, thestrategies and actions proposed by EDF Energy andtheir Tier 1 contrac<strong>to</strong>rs will provide real opportunity. ItKen Owen said, “It’s a key part <strong>of</strong> our supply chainstrategy that <strong>Somerset</strong> businesses have every chance<strong>to</strong> get involved in the project. Alongside the <strong>Somerset</strong><strong>Chamber</strong>, we’re helping local firms appreciate wha<strong>to</strong>pportunities there are, but more importantly what localbusinesses need <strong>to</strong> do not only <strong>to</strong> compete, but <strong>to</strong> win.”The Nuclear New Build at Hinkley Point C has receivedplanning approval and is currently awaiting the outcome<strong>of</strong> CfD negotiations with Government.Rupert Cox, CEO <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Somerset</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong>, summed upthe day by saying, “The <strong>Chamber</strong> has been working hard<strong>to</strong> map all <strong>of</strong> our 1,400+ suppliers registered on theHinkley Point C portal <strong>to</strong> EDF Energy’s NNB workpackage requirements so that they and their maincontrac<strong>to</strong>rs can have a clear view <strong>of</strong> the opportunitiesavailable on the doorstep <strong>of</strong> the development. We areexcited by the latest strategy and initiatives <strong>to</strong> supportlocal businesses and particularly pleased that <strong>Chamber</strong>members will have the opportunity <strong>to</strong> influence theprocurement strategies for the benefit <strong>of</strong> the entiresupply chain. We are looking forward <strong>to</strong> working closelywith EDF Energy and its contrac<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> create the bes<strong>to</strong>utcomes for <strong>Somerset</strong>.”Businesses can still register their interest <strong>to</strong> supplygoods and services <strong>to</strong> the Hinkley Point C developmentby registering online at www.hinkleysupplychain.co.ukContact the <strong>Chamber</strong> Call 01823 444924, email manager@somerset-chamber.co.uk or visit www.somerset-chamber.co.ukPrevious pageNext page9