BUSINESSES in Somerset are being helped to secure contracts worth £500million to help build Hinkley Point C, it has emerged.

EDF Energy met up with hundreds of British firms this week to see how they can bag work on the proposed nuclear power station.

The energy giant also say they are working with Somerset Chamber of Commerce to ensure nearby firms secure a £500million share of the contracts to support the operation of the site.

Humphrey Cadoux Hudson, EDF Energy’s managing director for build, said: "Hinkley Point C will provide a massive boost for UK manufacturing and help rebuild lost skills and expertise in nuclear new build.

“There are many UK companies already winning high-value global nuclear contracts – our aim is to help many more British businesses benefit from this huge opportunity.

“This conference will help them get ready to compete.”

Some of the UK’s biggest firms met in London for the “Building our Industrial Future” conference which helps manufacturing firms meet the stringent requirements needed in a nuclear build. During construction of Hinkley Point C there would be 5,600 workers on site at peak times with an estimated 25,000 different people working on the project.

There would also be 900 full-time jobs created during the plant’s operating life and 1,200 businesses in Somerset have signed up to help out.

If successful, Hinkley Point C will be the first nuclear power station built in Britain since 1995.

EDF Energy says the operation has the potential to “rebuild the country’s industrial stamina” as well as “lead a renaissance in nuclear skills”