Building Suffolk’s Legacy Through Sizewell C

Following last week’s visit to the Sizewell C site, alongside the British Chambers of Commerce and key local organisations, the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce gained valuable insight into the progression of this nationally significant infrastructure project. The visit highlighted how the Chamber has played a crucial role in supporting the development of Sizewell C thus far.

As the largest business forum in the county, the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is committed to maximising local supply chain opportunities. Our aim is to ensure that Suffolk’s legacy is not only preserved but strengthened—through a vibrant local economy, the creation of skilled jobs, and long-term investment in workforce development.

Our Chief Executive, John Dugmore, reinforced this commitment, stating:

“With the government’s recent announcements on boosting construction jobs and accelerating infrastructure projects, it is more important than ever that Sizewell C and other major developers fully engage with local and regional supply chains. This approach will help us collectively build a lasting legacy for a dynamic local economy and serve as a catalyst for growth and inward investment across the county and region.”

This visit came at a celebratory moment for the Sizewell C project, which has committed to ensuring that 70% of its construction value is awarded to British suppliers. The project has already signed nearly 300 UK contracts worth £2.5 billion. Among these are significant contracts awarded to Galliford Try for the construction of a new 6.5km Sizewell Link Road and a 1.8km Two Village Bypass. Additionally, Suffolk-based, family-run Breheny Civil Engineering has secured the contract to build two new roundabouts on the A12, connecting key points of the local transport infrastructure. These awards follow an earlier multi-million-pound contract given to Ipswich-based Jackson Civil Engineering for the delivery of vital road schemes supporting the project.

From nationally operating companies to local SMEs, the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is proud to have built strong working relationships with these contractors, offering consistent support and championing local capability at every stage of the development.

Mark Burrows, Regional Commercial Director at Breheny Civil Engineering, commented:

“We’re delighted to have been selected by the Sizewell C team to deliver the Yoxford and Friday Street roundabouts. It’s a tremendous opportunity for Breheny Civil Engineering Ltd to demonstrate the exceptional standard of civil engineering works that we—and Suffolk—can deliver on a nationally important project. These works will bring tangible, long-term benefits not only to our directly employed staff and their families but also to the wider communities of Yoxford, Friday Street, and the whole of Suffolk.  Working alongside the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, as we have been for many years, has really opened up the opportunities at Sizewell C and this relationship will ensure we maximise on the potential ahead for true local businesses such as ourselves”

Furthermore, Jackson Civil Engineering’s Managing Director, Brian Crofton, stated in a recent interview:

“This is a mega infrastructure project. Sometimes projects like this can be quite daunting to local and regional organisations, however, the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce acted as a conduit for us—from being a local company to knocking on the right door at Sizewell and speaking to the right people. This meant that we knew our voices were being heard, fostering a great support mechanism around us, all through the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.”

As the Sizewell C project progresses, the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce remains steadfast in its mission: to support local and regional businesses at every step of the journey. From navigating procurement opportunities to building meaningful connections with key stakeholders, we are here to ensure that Suffolk businesses have the tools, visibility, and confidence to grow alongside one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the UK. Together, we are building more than just a power station, we are shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for Suffolk and the region.