AN organisation helping local businesses cash in on a new power station project in Somerset has appointed a business engagement manager.

Sam Evans has been promoted to the post with Somerset Chamber of Commerce's Hinkley Supply Chain.

She has been instrumental in developing the local supply chain database for the Hinkley Point C scheme, which now comprises 3,800 Somerset and South West businesses.

She will now take on a more senior operational role that includes the line management of the existing Hinkley Supply Chain Team, as well as a new apprentice currently being recruited.

Ms Evans said, “It’s really good to be acknowledged for the hard work and commitment I have put in over the last three years, and to be given the opportunity to grow with the project.

"I’m particularly looking forward to helping local businesses understand, prepare for and win business within the supply chain for Hinkley Point C.

"This is a huge project, right here on our doorstep, and we want to help as many local businesses as possible take full advantage of it.”

Chris Langdon, the project lead for the Hinkley Supply Chain Team, said, “I am delighted to see Sam’s career progress.

"She has earned the respect of many suppliers and stakeholders with her knowledge of the project and her enthusiasm to ensure effective supplier engagement.

"She has also built strong relationships with the key people from EDF Energy, Tier 1 contractors and suppliers.”

Somerset Chamber chief executive Dale Edwards said: “Sam’s experience and skills have grown considerably over the last 18 months and her promotion to the senior management team of the chamber is well deserved.

"The chamber is committed to developing its staff for the benefit of its members and commercial strategic partners, and I look forward to growing the team further over the coming years.”

The Somerset Chamber of Commerce manages the Hinkley supply chain portal for the South West and is the first point of contact for Somerset and South West businesses wishing to engage in the construction of the nuclear new build project.

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