Claire Hughes MP has welcomed the opportunities for businesses and young people across North Wales as plans to deliver the UK’s first small modular nuclear reactors at Gwyndod move forward.
Claire attended the two-day ‘Delivering Together’ conference at Coleg Menai in Llangefni on 22 and 23 October, which brought together more than 400 suppliers from across North Wales, the UK and beyond.
Organised by Rolls-Royce SMR and Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N), the event gave businesses the opportunity to learn more about the Gwyndod project and how they could become involved in its supply chain.
During her visit, Claire met some of the first Rolls-Royce SMR apprentices who have begun their training at Coleg Menai, before speaking to more than 100 small and medium-sized businesses about the opportunities available through the supplier programme.
Backed by £2.6 billion of UK Government funding, Gwyndod is expected to create thousands of jobs and provide significant opportunities for businesses across North Wales and the wider UK.
Rolls-Royce SMR and GBE-N have an ambition for 70% of the project’s content to be delivered by UK-based companies, while more than 300 apprentices are expected to be supported during construction.
Reflecting on her visit, Claire said:
“Over the last couple of days, I’ve had a real sense of what investment like this can mean for our communities.
“Meeting some of the very first Rolls-Royce SMR apprentices at Coleg Menai, and speaking to so many local businesses keen to get involved, was incredibly encouraging.
“Too often, it can feel like change isn’t possible, or that we’ve heard promises like this before. But with £2.6 billion of UK Government backing, there’s a serious commitment to making this happen.
“Nuclear has always been a proud part of our history here in North Wales. And now, with Gwyndod, it’s part of our future again too.”
Claire is encouraging businesses across Bangor Aberconwy who were unable to attend the conference to contact her office for further information about the opportunities available through the Rolls-Royce SMR supplier programme.
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