Hinkley Supply Chain Case Study – Malcolm Pyne, Pyne’s of Somerset: “Be part of it!”

Malcolm Pyne, owner of Pyne’s of Somerset, recognised early on that as an individual business, the opportunity to become part of the supply chain for Hinkley Point C was all about collaboration.

“It’s clear that it’s too big a job for me as a sole trader. There are elements that I can do and elements I couldn’t do but by joining forces with others in the industry we can face the challenges as a team and focus on what we’re good at,” he explained.

Malcolm registered on the Hinkley Supply Chain Portal, managed by Somerset Chamber of Commerce, and attended a number of the supplier group meetings that the Chamber organised. There he met with other like-minded business people and, as a result, he is now one of the directors of the newly formed Somerset Larder – a registered company, open to all Somerset food and drink businesses and ready to compete for the anticipated £80million spend on food and drink during the construction of Hinkley Point C.

Pyne’s of Somerset is a great example of a small business making the most of a huge opportunity and Malcolm is keen for other businesses of all sizes to get involved with the project and keep as much of the work as possible in Somerset.

“For anyone looking from the outside in, the clear statement is, be part of it – the doors are open for everyone. Part of EDF’s planning was to use local suppliers and through the Chamber and groups such as Somerset Larder we have a good chance of being part of the job and keeping the work in the local vicinity.

“There’s no way I could supply EDF at the peak, that is not my world, but I’d like to do an element of it and so long as we’re keeping it in Somerset and the surrounding areas, that’s fantastic. I’ve always said, if they wanted 1000lb of mince a week from me I’ll be a happy man.

“I am still a retailer and my priority is still producing a great retail shop to champion Somerset, because that’s what I love. I just see this as an opportunity, as an add-on to my business, and I want it as an opportunity, to provide stability for the business and for the workforce.”

Referencing the support received from the Somerset Chamber, he said, “I don’t think it would have ever happened without the Somerset Chamber, in fact I know it wouldn’t. They have been a great link between EDF and ourselves, and a great support, giving us confidence and guiding the way.”

In a final word of advice for businesses not yet registered on the portal, Malcolm said, “It’s the biggest opportunity in Europe, on the doorstep. Don’t look at the whole thing, have a look at what is doable and have a go at it. If it can do some good for your business and help put your business on the map, it’s got to be the right thing hasn’t it? You’ve got to have an open mind and be part of it. What’s good for one can be good for all.”

Pyne’s of Somerset is an award-winning master butchers based in Bridgwater. Set up in 1984, it is a family business that provides high quality, locally sourced meat with friendly, personal service and good value for money. Its store in North Petherton, which opened in 2011, sells a vast range of regional and local produce including meat, cheese, smoked and fresh fish, traditional puddings, locally-blended tea and draught cider, as well as a range of ready meals cooked on the premises.

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