Delivery Partners for the Hinkley Supply Chain Team
June 2019
Dear

Welcome to the May 2019 issue for suppliers registered on the Hinkley Supply Chain portal and my first as Project Lead. The last two months have seen many changes within the Somerset Chamber and indeed the wider Supply Chain Team and I would like to take the opportunity to introduce everyone to our new apprentice Sophie Coram and Nuclear Supply Chain Specialist Adrian Peckitt, who both joined the team in May. We welcome them both to the team and I’m sure your paths will cross at some point over the coming months.

In this issue, we look at the latest opportunities that have come at tier 2 and 3 level from the HPC site and we showcase the latest collaboration effort from a host of local companies who have identified a capability which they can deliver stronger as a consortium. We are really keen to promote companies that have had success working at HPC via our newsletter and our website so please do make contact with us if you would like to include your successful Hinkley contract story. We endeavour to include most stories and we are always intrigued by the different routes taken to win that all important contract.

It is also worth mentioning that bookings are now open for the September cohort of the Supplier Induction Programme (details below). This modular programme of workshops can be funded through the Hinkley Supply Chain Programme LEP funded activity and offers a valuable closer look at what working in the nuclear sector could mean for your company.

Please click here for more information.

Sam Evans
Hinkley Supply Chain Project Lead
Somerset Chamber of Commerce
Project News
The construction site at Hinkley Point C changes every week. This is not surprising as the workforce is now almost 4,000 and has multiple working areas where early construction work is taking place now that the major earthworks phase is complete. Work continues to build the network of roads and utilities necessary to allow the site to operate efficiently.

The construction of the second permanent above ground building has commenced. This is the Site Training and Simulator building. This building is being built by Bouygues UK and is utilising steel-work fabricated locally in Somerset. It will be where the training of operators and technicians will take place and will house a full scope EPR simulator which will include a very accurate replica power station control room. Tutors will be able to observe the trainees during a series of test scenarios for both normal operations and emergency procedures from viewing galleries and using CCTV.  All trainees will need to pass these tests in order to become qualified to operate the EPR reactors at HPC.

The construction of the Unit 1 common raft continues with a target to complete this in June. Four of the five very large concrete pours have taken place, each one placing well over 2000 cubic metres of concrete. The last pour will be the biggest in UK construction history at over 9500 cubic metres and will take over 4 days to complete.  This structure will provide the strong foundation for all the nuclear island buildings and is an internationally recognised milestone in the construction of nuclear power stations around the world.
At Avonmouth the construction of the four inlet heads has started and production of concrete segments ready for the tunnel boring machines is underway. On site tunneling is also taking place to create the cooling water liaison galleries. These link the cooling water systems of each unit together, thus providing additional system security. This work is being undertaken by Balfour Beatty. 

The second base for the Unit 2 nuclear island has been handed over to the civil contractor BYLOR by the earthworks contractor Kier Bam and work to construct the circular pre-stressing gallery has commenced.  

The erection of the Sarens SGC 250 heavy lift ring crane has started on site having completed the eastern circular rail system upon which it sits. The crane will be on site for approximately four years and will lift over 500 heavy components/prefabricated structure during the construction of both units. Eventually it will be able to travel without dismantling between three locations. The Sarens web site hosts videos of the crane and how it operates.

The aggregate jetty is now in the final stages of commissioning which will allow all aggregate to be delivered to site by ship. The aggregate will still be sourced from the Mendips but will be transported to Avonmouth Docks by rail and then by coaster to the jetty at HPC. The shipments are due to start during June. 
HPC Work Package Opportunities

During the last two months the supply chain team matched local companies to opportunities within Skanska, Balfour Beatty, Bouygues ES and Bylor for requirements ranging from steel structures through to oil separation maintenance.

As the onsite work continues to gather momentum, the number of contractors working at HPC increases and we need to ensure that we are promoting regional capacity and capability to as many of these as possible. The more work package opportunities we can uncover for businesses across the area, the more we can assist the legacy of HPC for Somerset. With this thought very much in the forefront of our minds the Supply Chain team has recently appointed an experienced professional to drive the engagement with main Tier 1 and 2 contractors on the HPC project in order to uncover work package opportunities for the SW supply chain and momentum should begin to gather pace towards the end of June.

To read about the tender process and how to maximise your engagement click here
Supplier Case Studies
"We're very proud to be working on HPC "

Global Tunnelling Experts (GTE) are world leaders in their field, currently working in 48 different countries on more than 120 diverse projects, making them the perfect partner for the Hinkley Point C project.

Four teams from GTE will be operating the three massive tunnel boring machines for Balfour Beatty who are constructing the two intake tunnels and one outfall tunnel at site. The tunnels will stretch 3.5km and 1.8km, respectively, out in to the Bristol Channel, carrying cooling water to and from the new nuclear power station.

Some 38,000 concrete segments will form concrete rings for the inside of the tunnels once earth has been excavated by GTE’s skilled teams.
GTE is no stranger to complex projects, though, and has a world-renowned reputation for excellence, with more than 6,000 skilled workers delivering huge infrastructure projects throughout the world.

To read more click here .
“We can help suppliers add value to their work”

A new Somerset consortium has joined forces to give supply chain members working on the Hinkley Point C (HPC) project the best possible IT security advice and Government-recognised IT security accreditation.
 
The Somerset Cyber Group was formed last year by three local companies – Yeovil-based CETSAT and Blueloop and Bridgwater-based PC Comms. Between them they have decades of experience working with Government, defence and leading crime fighting agencies. Although all companies involved with the construction of Hinkley Point C must undergo formal security assurance for their systems, the Somerset Cyber Group is helping them to improve beyond best practice.
 
All three members of the group are qualified to provide the Government-approved Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications and are also able to offer a wide range of other IT and cyber security products and services for Hinkley Supply Chain members.

To read more click here .
Hinkley Supply Chain Events

We hold workshops covering a variety of other key subjects, all available for online booking.

For more information or details on how to book your place pelase click the relevant link or contact the team on 01823 443425 or by emailing office@hinkleysupplychain.co.uk

*Places are offered on a first come, first served basis.

These workshops are fully funded for SME (small/medium enterprise) companies based in Devon, Somerset, Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, and South Wales. If you are an LE (large enterprise), a South West company based outside of the above specified areas, or a company who have already received 12 hours of funded support through the Hinkley Supply Chain Programme, there will be a charge of £125 to attend this event - please select Non Funded Ticket to book your place.
Hinkley Point C is a supporter and sponsor of the Somerset Business Awards, the county’s largest annual black-tie awards ceremony. The awards recognise companies around Somerset for exceptional accomplishments across a range of fields. Entries are now open until Friday 9th August.
 
With 14 different categories to choose from there’s plenty of opportunity for your business to be recognised as one of the best in the county.
 
Hinkley Point C sponsors the Investing in Somerset category.
This award is for businesses which live for all things local and recognises companies which are passionate about supporting Somerset’s economy through local activity and can demonstrate this through their use of local employment, training, trading or regional supply chain etc.
 
Other awards include:
Private & Public Collaboration
This new award acknowledges the collaboration of private and public partners whose joint work enhances the Somerset economy by providing innovative and sustainable products, solutions or strategies that have identifiable and measurable results.
 
Somerset Manufacturer & Producer
This award recognises the most innovative and agile manufacturers and producers in the county. Judges will be looking for a commitment to proven research & development practices, a passion for continuous improvement and a solid track record of business planning and growth.
 
For more information visit https://www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk/
Calling South West businesses who have won Hinkley Point C contracts
Has your company won an HPC contract and would you like to tell us your good news?

Email us and we may be able to share your success in a future newsletter.
Please click the link below to see previous newsletter editions: