Sizewell C has appointed Suffolk Safety Solutions, a local business based in Bacton, as its primary provider of personal protective equipment (PPE). This significant contract is set to create 23 new jobs within the region and underscores Sizewell C’s commitment to investing in Suffolk businesses.
Key Takeaways
- Suffolk Safety Solutions will supply essential safety workwear for Sizewell C’s workforce over the next three years.
- The contract is expected to generate 23 local jobs, including warehouse operatives and delivery drivers.
- The partnership leverages innovations successfully trialled at Hinkley Point C.
- Sizewell C has already awarded £581 million to local suppliers as part of a £2 billion investment pledge.
Local Partnership for Enhanced Safety
Suffolk Safety Solutions is a joint venture between Mathias & Sons Ltd, a specialist in PPE and workwear with extensive experience at Hinkley Point C, and Portable Space Ltd, a Suffolk-based provider of portable accommodation. This collaboration will ensure Sizewell C’s growing workforce is equipped with high-quality safety gear, including hard hats, high-visibility clothing, and protective eyewear, maintaining the highest standards of on-site safety.
The partnership aims to replicate and build upon the innovative safety solutions developed at Hinkley Point C, integrating technology to improve safety, wellbeing, efficiency, and sustainability. Portable Space Ltd will provide crucial warehousing and logistics support for the operation.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
Jason Mathias, Managing Director at Mathias & Sons Ltd, expressed enthusiasm for the contract, highlighting the deep understanding of large-scale construction project demands gained from years of collaboration at Hinkley. He stated, "We’ve used this learning to create the blueprint for a PPE model that embraces technology to enhance safety, wellbeing, efficiency and sustainability.”
Mark Dolman, Managing Director at Portable Space, added, “We’re excited to support these innovations at Sizewell C. Our partnership with Mathias will create jobs and apprenticeships for local people in Suffolk and help drive long-term sustainable growth in the region.” The newly created roles at Suffolk Safety Solutions will bolster local employment.
Sizewell C’s Commitment to Suffolk
Sizewell C has made a firm commitment to invest £2 billion in Suffolk businesses throughout the power station’s construction. To date, £581 million has already been awarded to local suppliers, demonstrating a significant economic contribution to the county. At the peak of construction, the project is projected to support approximately 8,000 jobs, with a substantial portion, around one-third, expected to come from the local area.
Damian Leydon, Site Delivery Director at Sizewell C, emphasised the project’s priorities: “Ensuring the highest standards of safety and protection for our workforce is our number one priority. We’re pleased to partner with Mathias and Portable Space – two well-established UK companies – to maintain a safe environment as we deliver this nationally significant project. This is also great news for local jobs and reinforces our commitment to supporting Suffolk businesses.”
Recent economic analysis by Oxford Economics suggests that Sizewell C could significantly reduce local unemployment during peak construction, potentially cutting the county’s jobless rate from 2.7 per cent to as low as 1.7 per cent, by reducing unemployment by an estimated 1,700 to 2,200 people.
