Spending on the new Hinkley Point C’s nuclear project with businesses in the North of England has topped £1bn, according to the latest figures – including £824 million in the North West and Warrington, with 285 suppliers.

The numbers come in Hinkley Point C’s “2021 Socio-Economic Impact Report” which shows spending of £1.1bn with more than 500 companies in the North-East, North-West, Yorkshire and Humber.

The figures were highlighted by EDF’s Chief Executive Simone Rossi on a recent visit to Darchem engineering near Stockton-on-Tees. The company employs hundreds of people on major contracts to build specialised tanks, stainless steel liners and other precision equipment for the plant in Somerset. The work has played a key role in sustaining the business during the pandemic.