Suffolk Chamber of Commerce welcomes the news of the Final Investment Decision (FID) being reached on the Sizewell C project.

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce welcomes the news of the Final Investment Decision (FID) being reached on the Sizewell C project.  After 13 years of working alongside EDF Energy, and Sizewell C more latterly, Suffolk Chamber has always strived to ensure that the maximum benefit is felt by this critical piece of UK infrastructure, being built on our coastline, whilst considering the potential impacts and supporting the project to identify the mitigations and support that Suffolk, and more broadly the East, will require. 

Today’s news will bring certainty and positivity, and we believe should be seen as a catalyst from what this region can deliver to the UK through the energy transition and Suffolk Chamber of Commerce stands ready to support delivering that legacy and benefit.

Through our tireless work running the local and regional supply chain engagement programme over a number of years, we continue to support, guide and understand the needs of businesses from across our communities.  With almost 3,000 businesses, employing over 900,000 people, signed up to our supply chain platform and working closely with our team, it is clear that the appetite and hunger for local and regional firms to play their part is stronger than ever.

Sizewell C has made clear commitments to spend at least £4.4bn in the East during construction.  This will leave a lasting impact and legacy on the supply chain across our region, most notably in Suffolk.  Suffolk Chamber of Commerce stands ready to continue supporting business of all sizes and from all sectors who want to play their part in delivering on the UK Net Zero ambitions.  We have already seen hundreds of millions of £’s spent with local businesses and are witnessing growth and development of firms throughout the supply chain, which should bring confidence and optimism as to the opportunities ahead. 

Suffolk Chamber will continue to work in close collaboration with Sizewell C and all major stakeholders to ensure the greatest legacy is delivered from this monumental project, and to use the clear commitment from the UK government and its investors, for the maximum benefit to our region. 

However, the Government must recognise that Suffolk and the East cannot maximise its wider contribution to sustainable national prosperity whilst its infrastructure remains so woefully outdated. It is vital that there is a change of heart and longstanding rail and road projects, including Ely/Haughley Junctions and the A14 corridor are fully funded as a matter of priority.