Bridgwater businesses look to EDF contracts (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Bridgwater businesses look to EDF contracts

1:20pm Saturday 10th July 2010 in

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HUNDREDS of local businesses discovered last week how they could get a slice of the multi-billion pound boost predicted for the area if a third nuclear power station is built at Hinkley Point.

EDF, which hopes to build two new reactors at Hinkley Point, held a supply chain event at the Express Park in Bridgwater last Tuesday.

Alan Cumming, head of procurement and contracts, told the Mercury he was overwhelmed with the reaction from Somerset businesses.

He said: “Nearly 600 businesses have shown an interest. It demonstrates that local people are very interested in what we are doing and have the ambition to do better.

“Last year when we came out and said we had a project, people thought the work would be high tech, but a large amount of the work is normal building work.

“We also need bakers, farmers, healthcare, childcare and other companies - it's not all construction.”

Steve Leahy, chairman of Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce, said: “There was such interest that EDF will be holding two more meetings in September, as there was not the capacity to include everyone - we may even ask for more.

“If we can get as much local business as possible, that will be really good; that is what the chamber is looking for.”