Service to unlock investment in the South West nuclear industry to continue

A bespoke service that supports nuclear inward investment into Somerset and Bristol is set to continue for a further year. Bridgwater-based SWMAS Ltd has been awarded the contract, following a competitive tender process. This next phase will build on the success of the previous six-year contract.

The service will provide a single point of entry to investors requiring information and support to relocate to the South West region. It provides access to key stakeholders across local authorities, commercial property, training, skills and innovation.

Wrap-around support is on-hand to ensure a smooth and successful transition into the region. Not only does this help the growth of new businesses landing in the region, the service also promotes the area’s stature as a primary nuclear power hub, delivering on the Government’s drive to reach Net Zero by 2050.

The inward investment service is funded by the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, the West of England Combined Authority, EDF, Sedgemoor DC and Somerset West & Taunton Council. The service also works very closely with the Nuclear Trade & Investment Teams based within Government.

Corinne Matthews, Nuclear South West and nuclear/aerospace lead at the Heart of the South West LEP, said: “We are delighted to be continuing the fantastic work that Nuclear South West has been delivering to the region.

“The ambition and innovation that nuclear brings to the area is huge. Not only is Hinkley Point C the only live new build nuclear project in the UK, but the region is also contributing to innovative projects, such as the South West Nuclear Hub’s HyDUS pilot scale demonstrator.”

Stephen Bashford, director of business & skills, West of England Combined Authority, said: “The clean energy sector is of significant importance to the West of England and wider South West region, particularly with our ambitious net-zero targets.

“Therefore we are pleased to continue to work with Nuclear South West and SWMAS to attract investment from international nuclear and wider clean energy markets, which will support our commitment to net-zero by 2030, whilst creating high value jobs for our residents.”

Nick Golding, managing director at SWMAS, said: “Working with Nuclear South West over the past six years has been of huge benefit to the South West region and nuclear power in the UK generally. In the past year alone, as part of the previous consortium, we facilitated five investments to land in the region, creating over 550 local jobs.

“There are millions of pounds worth of opportunities still available for the nuclear sector in the South West region. We look forward to unlocking the region’s potential to foreign investors and newcomers from across the UK who want to be part of this cluster in the South West of England.”

Andrew Cockcroft, senior stakeholder relations manager, EDF said: “The South West is the home of our project and we look forward to supporting SWMAS in bringing further growth from international markets where current gaps exist to support unlocking future development in the region.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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