In a published letter John Dugmore, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, CEO, talks about the importance of continuing with plans for Sizewell C.
Suffolk Chamber of Commerce fully understands the decision by EDF to delay the Sizewell C planning application submission by a few weeks, in light of the current global Covid-19 pandemic and the challenges it is presenting to businesses and wider society.
However, in support of our members and the regional economy we would encourage EDF to submit the planning application at the earliest possible opportunity to deliver much needed fiscal and skills stimulus to Suffolk and the wider region following this unprecedented economic downturn.
It is recognised that many Chamber members face significant uncertainty as COVID-19 continues to impact operations across Suffolk and indeed the UK.
The project to build Sizewell C would, therefore, make a direct contribution to boosting the effectiveness of the recovery once we start to emerge from under the shadow of the virus. If we take EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point C project as an indication of the stimulus that may be expected, then the boost is likely to be substantial:
- £1.3 billion spent with companies in the South West and a total of £1.7 billion committed contracts
- 8,626 new job opportunities created on site
- 529 apprenticeships created to date
- £11 million delivered to local community projects to date
Despite the exceptional circumstances that we find ourselves in, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce remains dedicated to supporting the Sizewell C which will provide a significant, and much needed, economic boost to the region. In support of this commitment, we have recently undertaken the planned increase in the size of the Sizewell C supply chain team, including the appointment of a head of supply chain engagement to ensure as many businesses are ready as possible for all future opportunities.
Furthermore, this once in a lifetime project will further strengthen East Anglia’s position as a key contributor to the Government’s zero-carbon power generation aspirations and so will play a strategic role in building a sustainable economy for decades to come.
source: Sizewell C Media Team