Looking back on the previous week, we were delighted to organise our first ENGAGE : UPDATE : INFORM event of 2024, which turned out to be a tremendous success. Held amidst the serene surroundings of Stoke by Nayland Resort, the event was dedicated to shedding light on the dynamic progress of the Sizewell C project, along with the essential preparations necessary for businesses to seize onsite opportunities.
Over 250 individuals eagerly convened to gain insights into the project’s latest developments and the vital call to action. Ashley Shorey-Mills, Sizewell C Supply Chain Engagement Director, set the tone, underlining the importance for local businesses to showcase themselves and be prepared for upcoming opportunities.
Following suit, Steven Carroll, Senior Supply Chain and Engagement Lead for Sizewell C, provided updates on project advancements, particularly emphasising facility relocation, marsh harrier mitigation, and the rapid progress of the red route construction. Steven also delved into collaboration and government funding, stressing the necessity of collective efforts across the board.
Subsequently, Tim Johnson, Sizewell C’s Head of Commercial Site Delivery, took centre stage to discuss the pre-commencement works undertaken by Sizewell C, covering various aspects such as land access, archaeology, ecology, and permits & consents, offering genuine insights into the project’s early stages. Tim also elaborated on the OSI minor roads’ Scope of Work and outlined the AGS processes and systems imperative for businesses aiming to secure contracts onsite.
Alliance Director Peter Anusas followed, providing insight into the civil works alliance and its core scopes such as marine & tunnelling, earthworks & enabling, and main civil & ancillary works. Peter also highlighted the multitude of opportunities within the pipeline for each scope, extending up to 2027.
Adrian Webb, operating within Sizewell C’s ESG team, discussed the crucial importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance considerations, touching upon the project’s commitments and ways businesses can contribute to them. He also emphasised the significance of promoting one’s business and its contributions if already engaged in the project.
Gavin Brunning, Operations Manager of the Sizewell C’s Employment Affairs Unit, followed suit, discussing the commitments and external initiatives made through the project, including apprenticeship schemes, bursary schemes, pre-employment training, and outreach initiatives. Gavin also provided insights into the workforce pipeline and processes essential for maintaining a consistent workforce throughout the project, elaborating on the project’s inclusion diversity employment skills plan.
Wrapping up the speaker line up, Stefan Cecchini from Turnbull Infrastructure & Utilities Ltd who provided a summary of the company’s capabilities, focusing on processes that ensure the holistic management of engineering projects, thereby adding long-term value to local communities and the wider economy. Stefan also underscored the importance of utilising platforms such as the Sizewell C Supply Chain.
Following an engaging Q&A session, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a networking session over lunch. We extend our gratitude to all our speakers for their insightful contributions to the event and special thanks to Stoke by Nayland Resort for hosting and Savills for sponsoring the event.
