THE immense scale of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station construction project is helping drive growth and productivity across the country, a new report shows.

The report also revealed long term benefits for the Westcountry with more than 14,000 people having been trained in the project’s centres of excellence and nearly three-quarters of the 1,500 trained apprentices coming from the region.

Across Britain, 26,000 workers are now helping to build Hinkley Point C, with numbers expected to rise as it hits its peak.

A socio-economic report showed the Bridgwater area was seeing productivity levels 10 per cent higher than surrounding towns while the district around Hinkley C had seen an increase in the number of medium-sized companies which was 10 times higher than the rest of the Westcountry.

Hinkley C managing director Stuart Crooks said: “Our huge scale gives us the opportunity to be a force for good and a catalyst for change.

A reactor pressure vessel being installed at Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.
A reactor pressure vessel being installed at Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. ( )

“We are driving growth across Britain and in our region by giving thousands of people new skills and helping businesses to expand.

“The work to establish a supply chain and develop new skills means Britain is ready for our next nuclear projects like Sizewell C and future small modular reactors, as well as other critical infrastructure.”

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “This report demonstrates how our mission to become a clean energy superpower will grow the economy and create thousands of jobs.

“Clean, homegrown nuclear power plays an important role in revitalising our regional communities, with Hinkley Point C providing opportunities for local young people and backing businesses in the South West.

“That is why we are pushing ahead with new nuclear across the country so more communities can reap the benefits, including Sizewell C in Suffolk, and Great British Nuclear’s small modular reactor competition.”

Socio-economic report 2025. Ben Knight photographed at Somerset Larder. Pic by Brad Wakefield.
Somerset Larder chef Ben Knight preparing food to cater for the 12,000 people working at Hinkley Point C. PHOTO: Brad Wakefield. ( )

Bridgwater and Taunton College vice principle of strategy and partnerships, Matt Tudor, said: “The collaboration with Hinkley Point C has made Bridgwater and Taunton College a leader in nuclear education and training and provided the local community with an economic boost through job creation and skill development.

“Most importantly, it has positioned the South West as a leading centre for nuclear and engineering excellence, ensuring long-tern skills development in the region.”

One of the local businesses to benefit from the project, Somerset Larder, was founded in 2014 when local food producers decided to work together to cater for the Hinkley C workforce.

Since then, 78 per cent of the company’s £63.5m spend has stayed in the Westcountry as it uses local ingredients with produce such as meat and milk coming from more than 60 regional farms and suppliers.

In 2024, the company served up half-a-million bacon butties and 42 tonnes of locally sourced sausages, which is enough to stretch from the construction site to Swindon.

Precision engineering firm Berry and Escott which has designed training equipment to support the operational power station, has more than doubled in size from 28 to 57 staff and is now looking for a larger premises in the Bridgwater area.