Sizewell C executives have hailed the project's first year of construction as a "huge success," with plans to double the current on-site workforce to 2,000 by the end of 2025. Since breaking ground on January 15 last year, the nuclear power plant near Leiston has already engaged nearly 300 UK companies, generating an economic boost of £2.5 billion.

Regional Economic Benefits

A significant portion of the project's investment has been directed toward businesses in the East of England, amounting to more than £100 million. Notably, Ipswich-based Jackson Civil Engineering has secured a £19 million contract to undertake key road projects early next year.

Additionally, Sizewell C has partnered with the Royal British Legion Industries and awarded a two-year licence to Ipswich veterans' community interest company Combat2Coffee to manage the site’s coffee shop.

Progress and Key Milestones

The past year has seen major preparatory work completed, including archaeological surveys, earthworks, and infrastructure enhancements. Construction efforts have also focused on setting up a concrete batching plant, a temporary desalination facility, new site offices, and improvements to road and rail networks. Park and ride sites have also begun development to facilitate smoother transport for the workforce.

A major milestone was reached in April when the project was granted its Nuclear Site Licence. Additionally, Sizewell C made headlines last year with one of the UK’s largest leasing deals, securing one million square feet at Orwell Logistics Park in Ipswich for storage and logistics operations.

Leadership Perspective

Joint Managing Directors Julia Pyke and Nigel Cann described the past year as "incredible," highlighting significant advancements in both on-site and off-site developments.

“With around 1,000 people currently working across our sites, we’re rapidly pushing forward,” they stated. “By the end of this year, we’ll have doubled our workforce and increased our apprenticeship numbers significantly. Our early manufacturing efforts are also progressing well, with 20% of equipment production already completed, ensuring valuable contracts for UK suppliers and fostering economic growth.”

Once operational, Sizewell C—primarily owned by UK taxpayers—will have the capacity to supply energy to six million homes.

Local Impact and Community Support

Brian Crofton, Managing Director of Jackson Civil Engineering, expressed enthusiasm for his company’s involvement in the project: “Being a Suffolk-based firm, we are thrilled to secure this contract. Sizewell C will play a crucial role in boosting the local economy, generating jobs, and upskilling the workforce. We are eager to contribute to this once-in-a-generation opportunity.”

Further community engagement efforts include the £23 million Sizewell C Community Fund, which will allocate approximately £2 million annually to local organisations over the next decade. Nine charities have already received a combined £300,000, with the next round of funding recipients to be announced soon.

Anna Hughes, Interim Chief Executive of Suffolk Community Foundation, emphasized the fund’s potential impact: “This initiative will enhance quality of life and wellbeing across our local communities. We’re excited to see the first grants already making a difference and look forward to witnessing the progress of funded projects.”

Investing in Future Talent

Apprenticeships remain a cornerstone of Sizewell C’s workforce development strategy. In the first year, 60 apprentices joined the program, with plans to train at least 1,500 over the duration of the construction phase.

With its strong economic contributions, regional partnerships, and commitment to workforce development, Sizewell C’s progress marks a significant step toward the UK’s energy security and regional prosperity.

Proposals for a £18 million skills and innovation centre in Stowmarket have been given the green light, marking a significant milestone for the town and the surrounding region.

Planning permission has been granted for the 35,000 sq ft facility at the Gateway 14 business park. This approval paves the way for construction to begin on the ambitious project, which aims to address local skills shortages and support economic growth within Freeport East and the wider Suffolk area.

A Hub for Growth and Innovation

The state-of-the-art centre will feature office spaces for start-ups, collaboration and innovation zones, training and meeting rooms, and a café. It is designed to meet the needs of businesses and local skills providers, with a particular focus on fostering growth in sectors like the green economy and digital/AI technology.

Additional business support services will also be available, making the centre a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. The facility aims to attract businesses of all sizes, from local start-ups and SMEs to international companies, while fostering collaboration and sustainability.

Funding and Regional Impact

The project has received £16.6 million in funding from Freeport East, with Mid Suffolk District Council covering the remaining costs. Once completed, the centre is expected to serve as a key driver of economic growth in Stowmarket and the surrounding areas.

Steve Beel, Chief Executive of Freeport East, celebrated the approval:

“This is great news for Gateway 14 and Freeport East, and an important next step in growing and diversifying the economy of Stowmarket and the wider Mid Suffolk area. Sustainability and enterprise are at the heart of this new centre and will help to attract a range of new businesses to the area, from local start-ups and SMEs to international brands.”

He also highlighted the site's strategic location, positioned between the UK's largest trading gateway at Felixstowe and the world-class knowledge hubs of Cambridge and East Anglia.

A Vision for the Future

Richard Winch, Cabinet Member for Housing and Property at Mid Suffolk District Council, emphasized the project's significance:

“This is such a significant moment for what is an incredibly exciting project and one which will not only be greatly beneficial for Stowmarket, but the much wider area too.

“We have ticked the boxes and jumped the hurdles, now is the time for us to deliver on our promises and bring these plans to life.”

The skills and innovation centre is seen as a cornerstone of the Gateway 14 development, ensuring the site evolves into a vibrant, mixed-use business park.

Ben Oughton, Development Director for site developers Jaynic, added:

“The skills and innovation centre at Gateway 14 ensures that the site is becoming a truly mixed-use scheme attracting a variety of users that will benefit the regional economy in this part of East Anglia.”

Next Steps

While the project's final completion date remains unconfirmed, approval of the plans represents a major step forward in realizing a transformative vision for Stowmarket. The centre is poised to drive innovation, support local talent, and help shape the region’s future in the green economy and cutting-edge technology sectors.