The February issue of the news update to portal registered businesses provided an outline of progress on a number of the work packages that represent the start of the project. This is still available to view on the News Update pages.

During March and April three work packages, being part of the associated developments, have had “Invitations to Tender” issued to pre-qualified Tier 1 contractors. These work packages are The Cannington Bypass, The Hinkley Point and Bridgwater Campuses and The four Park and Ride facilities.

The bidding Tier 1 contractors are currently working up their bids for consideration by EDF Energy and in the process will be making contact with identified local suppliers to support their tender submissions. Meet the Buyer events and other opportunities for local businesses to engage with the appointed tier 1 contractors for these contracts will be organised in line with the project timetable – probably later this year.

The preferred bidder for the Main Civils package is likely to be announced shortly, with  the Temporary Jetty preferred bidder also being  announced should permission be granted by the Marine Management Organisation.

The Kier BAM JV has started to deliver the site preparation contract with the main earthworks due to commence in the second half of the year.

Following recent announcements about Horizon, Vincent de Rivaz, chief executive of EDF Energy, said: “EDF Energy and Centrica remain focused on our project and nothing has changed with regard to that. We are determined to make UK new nuclear a success.

“The UK needs investment in a diverse mix of energy sources including nuclear, gas and renewables. EDF Energy is investing in all three and will commission a new 1300MW CCGT plant in Nottinghamshire later this year and the 62MW Teeside Offshore Windfarm before the end of the year.

“With our partner Centrica we are progressing a strong and credible new nuclear project. We are making progress on all fronts towards taking the Final Investment Decision at the end of this year, as planned, on the UK’s first two new nuclear plants at Hinkley Point”.

“Clearly that decision depends on having a profitable project which meets the financial targets. This in turn depends on agreeing, as soon as practicable, the contract for difference through transitional arrangements. These transitional arrangements are a key part of the Electricity Market Reform and have been introduced to allow investors to take timely decisions.

“The Government’s framework for Electricity Market Reform must ensure we have a project which is good for consumers, policy makers, jobs and investors.

“For our part, we have made significant progress which demonstrates our determination to make new nuclear a success. We are getting on with the job. We are bringing together the efforts of our own people, suppliers including Areva, Government and the local community.”

The West Somerset Community College in Minehead has received £1.6 million from EDF Energy to build new training facilities and deliver a range of new courses which will open up training opportunities for young people, businesses and those seeking to develop new skills. As a result, these young people will be prepared for the employment opportunities presented by Hinkley Point C and local unemployed people will be able to gain new life-long skills.

The contribution to the College covers two exciting initiatives – £1million for ‘Hinkley Enterprise’ and £600,000 for ‘Hinkley Ready’. It is part of a funding package relating to EDF Energy’s Site Preparations Work application at Hinkley Point C, which was approved by West Somerset Council.

Hinkley Enterprise provides a high quality training and work-based programme, which provides qualifications up to and including Foundation Degree level, and supports people wishing to start or develop a business. There will be an emphasis on the development of enterprise skills and how to run a successful business. Courses, which are due to start this autumn, cover:

• Hospitality, Catering and Event Management. This will be undertaken in a new industrial training kitchen at the College, and students will also have the use of a mobile catering facility
• Outdoor Education, with training for more than 30 apprentices a year provided across a range of activities such as orienteering, archery, trekking, canoeing, sailing, raft building and leadership
• Business and Administration, for more than 20 apprentices a year
• Retail and E-Commerce

Hinkley Enterprise also aims to develop educational partnerships in the community and already the College is working with Stogursey Primary School to expand these links.

Hinkley Ready is a vocational training programme for construction and other trades, which will deliver apprenticeships, courses for unemployed people and further education initiatives to get local people ready for work opportunities at Hinkley Point C. Customised classrooms are currently being built at the College and training will begin this autumn.

Hinkley Ready is a vocational training programme for construction and other trades, which will deliver apprenticeships, courses for unemployed people and further education initiatives to get local people ready for work opportunities at Hinkley Point C. Customised classrooms are currently being built at the College and training will begin this autumn.

Areas of focus include:

• Formwork Carpentry – for skilled carpenters and joiners
• Heating and Ventilation
• Electrical and Mechanical
• Environmental and Laboratory testing
• Plant Maintenance
• Hard and soft landscaping

Richard Mayson, EDF Energy’s Director of Planning and External Affairs for Nuclear New Build, said: “Our education strategy is about getting people ready for work and jobs, and establishing a more entrepreneurial and supportive environment for people of all ages and abilities. We’re delighted to be working with the College to help people throughout West Somerset gain the necessary skills and training to grasp the many opportunities available from Hinkley Point C. This is an exciting project with the potential to transform communities. It will raise aspirations and allow local people to get in the best possible position to secure employment when the time comes.”

Nick Swann, Principal of West Somerset Community College, added: “The additional facilities at The West Somerset Community College will allow the College to serve its young people, businesses and the wider community across a diverse range of qualifications and training opportunities. This should provide a significant boost to the local economy. We are also very excited about the development of Higher Education courses, delivered in University standard facilities, which will complement the already well-established academic progression route for College students from our high quality A level programme to securing places at leading universities.”

Adrian Dyer, Chief Executive at West Somerset Council, said: “Providing local students and businesses with the training and skills to maximise employment opportunities that will in turn benefit the local economy was one of the key aims of the section 106 agreement negotiated and secured by the council.

“We are delighted to see this investment in The West Somerset Community College. Not only will it benefit students and local firms, it offers people out of work the chance to learn new skills to take advantage of future opportunities.”

The contribution to The West Somerset Community College is part of the latest instalment of £5.7 million of funding from EDF Energy relating to site preparation work at Hinkley Point C. The payment coincides with the start of the second phase of preparatory works, which includes on-site archaeology, vegetation clearance and completion of fencing.

The £5.7 million is split between West Somerset Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset County Council, NHS Somerset, Bridgwater College and West Somerset Community College. It includes support for economic development, education, ecology, transport, tourism, community safety and diverting public rights of way. It also contributes towards the creation of new jobs, including employment skills and community outreach posts for Sedgemoor District Council, an outreach worker for West Somerset Council and a young persons support officer for Somerset County Council.

Including the latest payment, almost £7m has now been invested locally out of a total of £30 million committed by EDF Energy relating to site preparations work. More payments will follow as work progresses.

West Somerset Council approved EDF Energy’s application for site preparations in July 2011 and a legal agreement was signed in January 2012 allowing work to start. In October 2011 EDF Energy submitted its main application to build and operate Hinkley Point C to the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC), committing to more than £500 million in mitigation, of which at least £150 million will be of lasting benefit to the community. The application is now being examined by the IPC.

For further information regarding the training opportunities outlined above please email The West Somerset Community College: sch.539@educ.somerset.gov.uk

Kelly told us “Watchet glass and glazing is a family run business, and has been trading for 22 years, My husband and I took over 7 years ago when the opportunity to buy Watchet Glass and Glazing came up.  Last year we opened a new and exclusive Timber Windows and doors Showroom near Bath, and we are enjoying the additional business opportunities this offers.”

“Watchet Glass and Glazing specialize in providing a seamless service for home owners seeking to upgrade their home, through the installation of new windows and doors.  Our products and procedures provide the quality, reliability and service that our customers demand.  We are very proud of the high levels of customer satisfaction we receive,  we provide bespoke products installed by our own employees.”

“Our success is down to our 8 strong skilled LOCAL team – installers, glaziers, clerical staff, builders, administrators and management.  Their local knowledge really compliments the delivery of our services.”

“I registered to be part of the Hinkley Supply Chain following the links on the Somerset Chamber of Commerce website during October 2010.  It was easy –  a simple form filled out online, it took 10 minutes to submit.”

“I thought that Watchet Glass and Glazing could really benefit from this, and wanted to make the most of this opportunity to be part of such a huge project, right on our doorstep.”

“Then, at the beginning of July 2011 we received an invitation to tender from EDF Energy for residential window replacement.  And after a lot of hard work preparing our tender, we were pleased to hear at the end of August 2011 that we had been successful!”

“We have been awarded a contract to supply and fit replacement windows and doors to residential properties in a specified area around the main site where EDF Energy are planning to build the new power station.”

“Winning this Contract means that we are in a very strong position for growth, it means job creation, it means that we can focus on the core of our business by concentrating on our customers, and of course it brings the obvious benefits of increased sales. I would encourage any local business owner to register, it could open up huge opportunities for your business – look where it got us!”

Fairway was established in Bridgwater in 1988. One of the first tenants in the Cellophane Small Business Centre which was established to help new business start-ups. Some good and some difficult years followed but from humble beginnings a well founded and successful firm stands as evidence that local initiatives can really work. Fairway now has a turnover in excess of £1.5m with specialist divisions for Contract Office Furniture, Back care and Task Seating as well as Commercial Office products and Supplies. In 2010 we moved to new larger warehouse and showrooms in Wylds Road Bridgwater and cover the whole of the South West region.

Chris Fairbrass from Fairway Office Supplies said ” We found signing up to the Hinkley Supply Chain was easy and opportunity soon emerged for the company to provide design and supply services for specialist commercial office furniture. We found a good fit straight away with the facilities team who liked the furniture recycle program and experience with local authority frameworks we can offer. Early contracts followed with installations to the King Square Offices as well as planning for various projects at the Hinkley C site making the EDF Energy Hinkley project a significant part of our future growth plans.”

“I wouldn’t hesitate to encourage local traders and business to register and get connected with the Hinkley C project. The EDF Energy team have a genuine desire to support the area and the business community and the opportunity for those who become involved at this early stage could be substantial for many years to come.”