Vertas Group, one of the fastest growing facilities management companies in the UK, has said Sizewell C would be “hugely transformative” for the business and will “bring a multitude of socio-economic benefits” to the region, following the government decision to grant planning consent earlier last month.
For seven years Vertas has been established in the East of England, employing 4,000 colleagues across 900 sites. The group specialises in a host of bespoke facilities management services across the UK including: catering, grounds maintenance and design, security services and waste management.
As part of its procurement strategy for Sizewell C, EDF Energy has partnered with Suffolk Chamber of Commerce to identify and support local businesses that want to become part of the supply chain, working with the likes of Vertas.
Aligning with their mission and passion for supporting people, the Sizewell C project would enable Vertas to continue to create long-term job opportunities that bring prosperity for the next generation in its homeland of Suffolk.
Local businesses, including Vertas, are also supported through the Suffolk Chamber Supply Chain’s programme of support and events, with the aim to encourage business leaders to explore the rewards of partnering with local and regional suppliers, as well as preparing them for future contract opportunities.
Ian Surtees MBA FIoD, group chief executive officer at Vertas Group said: “Sizewell C would be hugely transformative for the Vertas Group. The project is centred around inclusive regional growth and will bring a multitude of socio-economic benefits to Suffolk, and the East of England.
“As a fast-growing, Facilities Management industry leader, the prospect of securing a partnership with Sizewell C would be an important enabler of our growth plans.
“Investing in the project has the potential for us to support local communities and would allow us to create high-value jobs through our Suffolk Skills Academy, leaving a legacy for years to come.”
Ashley Shorey-Mills, head of supply chain engagement at Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, added “Vertas is a tremendous example of how a local business, engaging directly with our team on the Sizewell C Supply Chain, can really gear themselves up be ready for the exciting future ahead of us in this region.
“Not only are they preparing for the Sizewell C project, but they are using the interactions with the Supply Chain to bring benefit to their business now. We look forward to supporting Vertas with their ambitions to be part of Sizewell C.”
The benefits of Sizewell C are far reaching. It plans to generate enough low-carbon electricity to supply six million homes by replacing fossil-fuel power, as well as supporting 70,000 jobs across the UK, relying on over 3,000 UK-based suppliers. With the creation of thousands of local jobs and contributions of around £4 billion to the regional economy, the project promises to leave a lasting legacy the region can be proud of.
Last month, Sizewell C was awarded the development consent order for Sizewell C from government which moves the project a step closer to starting construction. The decision is the biggest milestone so far in the approval process for Sizewell C.
Suffolk Chamber’s Sizewell C Supply Chain Team is the first point of contact for business and agencies wishing to engage in the project.
For more information or to sign up the Sizewell C Supply Chain Portal, please visit: https://www.sizewellcsupplychain.co.uk/