Opportunities to Export - Somerset Chamber of Commerce

Breakfast with Ken OwenEDF Energy confirms its support for aSomerset supply chain for Hinkley Point CMore than sixty businesses attended an event at theWalnut Tree Hotel on 2 nd August to hear EDF Energyconfirm its commitment to using the local supply chainin Somerset wherever possible.is now up to each and every business to fullyunderstand what will be required of them to ensure theydon’t miss out due to lack of preparation. Being localmight start the conversation but it won’t win thecontract unless suppliers also bring best value safelyand at the required level of quality.”Ken Owen, Commercial Director for Hinkley Point C,travelled to Somerset specifically to address localbusinesses registered on the Hinkley C Supply Chainportal. He outlined EDF Energy’s strategy to supportlocal supply chain activity but warned that, ascommitted as EDF Energy was to securing work for localcompanies, there would be no compromise on quality,value for money or reliability of supply.EDF Energy will be advising Tier 1 and 2 contractorstendering for contracts that they will be assessed ontheir level of 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 Somerset Chamber of Commerce to support thisstrategy. This will include activating two steering groupsto focus on construction and service opportunities.These groups will be led by EDF Energy and theSomerset Chamber, working closely with selectedChamber members registered on the Supply Chain,relevant Tier 1 contractors and education providers. Theremit of these groups will be to oversee localengagement in the delivery of the building programmeto ensure, wherever feasible, that Somerset businessesreceive a fair opportunity to tender on a level playingfield.As part of this process, the Somerset Chamber will beencouraging local businesses to think creatively abouthow they can collaborate to win contracts at Hinkley,and will be putting together training and facilitationworkshops in support of proactive sector groups.Chris Langdon, who leads the Hinkley Point C SupplyChain on behalf of the Somerset Chamber, said, “KenOwen’s commitment to create real opportunity forSomerset suppliers at Hinkley C is both encouragingand challenging for the Somerset business community.The size of the opportunity is not in doubt, thestrategies and actions proposed by EDF Energy andtheir Tier 1 contractors will provide real opportunity. ItKen Owen said, “It’s a key part of our supply chainstrategy that Somerset businesses have every chanceto get involved in the project. Alongside the SomersetChamber, we’re helping local firms appreciate whatopportunities there are, but more importantly what localbusinesses need to do not only to compete, but to win.”The Nuclear New Build at Hinkley Point C has receivedplanning approval and is currently awaiting the outcomeof CfD negotiations with Government.Rupert Cox, CEO of the Somerset Chamber, summed upthe day by saying, “The Chamber has been working hardto map all of our 1,400+ suppliers registered on theHinkley Point C portal to EDF Energy’s NNB workpackage requirements so that they and their maincontractors can have a clear view of the opportunitiesavailable on the doorstep of the development. We areexcited by the latest strategy and initiatives to supportlocal businesses and particularly pleased that Chambermembers will have the opportunity to influence theprocurement strategies for the benefit of the entiresupply chain. We are looking forward to working closelywith EDF Energy and its contractors to create the bestoutcomes for Somerset.”Businesses can still register their interest to supplygoods and services to the Hinkley Point C developmentby registering online at www.hinkleysupplychain.co.ukContact the Chamber Call 01823 444924, email manager@somerset-chamber.co.uk or visit www.somerset-chamber.co.ukPrevious pageNext page9