Businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk need to mirror enterprises in Somerset which have already seized �25m in trade from the new Hinkley Point nuclear power station.

That was the message sent by the chief executive of the Norfolk Chamber, Caroline Williams, who is urging business across the region to reap the economic benefits of building a new nuclear power station in Suffolk.

Mrs Williams said that it is essential that businesses across the region learn from those in Hinkley and sign up to a supply chain so they can secure as much work as possible from the Sizewell C project.

It comes after French-owned EDF Energy revealed its plans to build the new Sizewell C nuclear reactor, which the company estimates will bring 25,000 jobs over nine years and be worth as much as �100m a year to the local economy during construction.

Mrs Williams said: 'The supply chain opportunities for Sizewell C will closely mirror those at Hinkley where �25m of the �61m spent to date has gone to local Somerset businesses.

'It is essential that Norfolk and Suffolk businesses get up to speed and learn from the activity happening in Hinkley to ensure that they secure as much of the work at Sizewell C as possible. Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers will do all we can to help ensure that the relevant contracts are delivered by local businesses.'

The two chambers have joined forces with EDF Energy to form the Sizewell C Supply Chain, a partnership aimed at encouraging businesses to take advantage of the opportunities that arise from the new development.

She added: 'All companies wanting to get involved in the project must demonstrate their ability to deliver on time and show there is a safety culture through their organisation.'

A similar supply chain has been set up for the Hinkley Point C in West Somerset to help business benefit from the construction of Hinkley Point C.

Meanwhile, Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Coastal Council have sought assurances from EDF Energy that the company will contribute to the area in return for building the power station including the construction of a four villages bypass taking traffic away from Marlesford, Little Glemham, Farnham and Stratford St Andrew along the A12.

For more about becoming a part of the Sizewell C supply chain visit www.sizewellcsupplychain.co.uk