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Suffolk firms secure £100m in Sizewell C contracts during first year

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Suffolk-based companies have won more than £100m in contracts during Sizewell C's first year of construction, with Ipswich-based Jackson Civil Engineering securing a £19m deal for road improvements.

Why it matters: The nuclear power project has awarded contracts to Suffolk businesses across multiple sectors, including construction, aggregates, building supplies and energy systems.

The bigger picture: Nearly 300 UK suppliers have secured contracts worth £2.5bn during the first year of construction. The project plans to spend £4.4bn in the East of England throughout the building phase.

Sizewell C power station construction site screen
Sizewell C power station construction site screenAlamy

By the numbers:

  • £100m+ awarded to Suffolk firms

  • £19m road improvement contract for Jackson Civil Engineering

  • 2,000 workers expected on site by the end of 2024

What they're saying: Brian Crofton, Managing Director at Jackson Civil Engineering, said: "As a local supplier with our head office in Suffolk, we are delighted to be awarded the contract for the first of many off-site infrastructure works for Sizewell C."

Julia Pyke and Nigel Cann, Joint Managing Directors of Sizewell C, said: “It’s been an incredible first year of construction for Sizewell C. We’ve now got around 1,000 people driving this project forward both on our main development site and off-site infrastructure, and we’ll have around 2,000 people by the end of the year with around double the amount of apprentices.

“We’re making big gains with early manufacturing, with equipment already 20% through manufacture. That means we’re already able to deliver significant contract value to suppliers and drive growth right here in the UK."

CGI interpretation of a constructed Sizewell C power station
CGI interpretation of a constructed Sizewell C power stationSizewell C

Progress report: The first year of construction has included:

  • New site offices completed

  • Park and ride sites have begun

  • Road and rail infrastructure improvements

  • Archaeological surveys and earthworks

  • Installation of concrete batching plant and temporary desalination plant

The bottom line: The £100m in Suffolk contracts represents 4% of the total UK supplier spending in the project's first year of construction and 5% of the £2bn that bosses have committed to spending with Suffolk suppliers throughout the project's delivery.

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Local migration exhibition competing for global heritage award

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Suffolk Archives' community-led project about migration stories is in the running against attractions from 15 countries for a prestigious museums award.

The "Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk" exhibition has been shortlisted for Community Engagement Programme of the Year at the 23rd annual Museums + Heritage Awards.

Why it matters: The nomination recognises Suffolk's approach to documenting and celebrating diverse cultural histories through community collaboration.

Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk
Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to SuffolkSuffolk County Council

The details: The free exhibition explored historical and contemporary migration experiences to Suffolk since the end of World War II, including:

  • Oral history recordings

  • Stories of migrant entrepreneurs

  • Archive materials from the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality

  • Narratives about Jewish refugees, Polish soldier Marion Laskowski, and the Windrush generation

  • Examples of traditional clothing from around the world

From the community: The exhibition featured "The Journey" – an art installation consisting of 125 birds made from sustainably sourced plywood, each decorated to represent a unique migration story.

What they're saying: "This nomination reflects the incredible collaboration between Suffolk Archives, local community groups, and artists. It's a wonderful acknowledgment of how migration stories have shaped our county's history and brought together diverse voices in a meaningful way," said Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

Anna Preedy, Director of Museums + Heritage Awards, said: "This year's shortlist truly reflects the breadth and depth of the cultural sector and its determination to deliver first-class visitor experiences for all."

By the numbers: The global awards include entrants from across the UK and 14 other countries ranging from Norway and Egypt to Australia.

The competition: 'Arrivals' is competing alongside exhibitions from Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Manchester Museum, The Landmark Trust, and Historic England.

What's next: The winners will be announced on 15 May.

The bottom line: Suffolk Archives' latest exhibition is "Departures", which explores emigration from Suffolk. It runs at The Hold, on Ipswich's Waterfront, until 31 May, with a programme of tie-in events. Visit www.suffolkarchives.co.uk for more details.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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