Somerset Energy Innovation Centre 2

Underlining our credentials for high quality workspace for start-ups and SMEs to thrive, we built the Somerset Energy Innovation Centre (SEIC) for businesses to collaborate and exploit opportunities in the low carbon sector. This is a catalyst for innovation, providing space and expert support to the businesses at the heart of the growing low carbon energy supply chain.

Investment in infrastructure is a key part of Somerset County Council’s economic strategy as the authority works to make sure the county remains attractive to investors. The SEIC campus has an important role to play in maximising the local economic benefits from the development of Hinkley Point C - the largest construction project in Europe.

SEIC 2 will provide high quality light industrial and office workspace to encourage innovation and collaboration between upper and lower tier suppliers in the low carbon energy and nuclear supply chains.

South West team

Our South West team built the 3-storey facility providing 2,000m2 of space, which includes 350m2 used as technology workshops with the rest as Grade A office space.

This one of three buildings that form a “Hub” area at the Hinkley development for high growth science and technology companies.

SEIC Phase 1 opened in February 2016 and its 3,000m2 is home to 40 businesses, ranging from facilities management to electrical engineers. This second SEIC project received an investment of £7.8 million part-funded by Somerset County Council, the European Regional Development Fund 2007-13 and the Heart of the South West Local Growth Fund.

Driving innovation

SEIC 2 provides dedicated offices, technology workshops and meeting space for SMEs in the low carbon energy and nuclear supply chain. It is funded by Somerset County Council and the Heart of the South West Local Growth Deal.

Phase 2 includes the Enterprise Hub@SEIC2. This has received £869,089 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (EDRF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the Heart of the South West Local Growth Deal Funding. It will support small and medium-sized enterprises from any sector with growth potential and the high-value jobs that come with them.

Councillor David Hall, the Council’s Cabinet member for Resources and Economic Development, said:

“To support the long-term economic future of the county we need to be ambitious and look long-term, and the SEIC campus development is an important part of that picture for us. Prosperity pays for everything and bringing jobs to Somerset improves people’s lives - we’re making that happen.”

As construction partners to Somerset County Council, our team will seek to make a positive social impact, not just through the construction of the building, but in how we contribute to the local community and economy. From investing in local employment, to providing inspiration and opportunity to young people, we will work with Somerset County Council to ensure that together we add social value, and leave a lasting legacy that extends beyond the building.