The Hinkley Point C power station project has reached its target of spending £1.5 billion with businesses in the South West, five years ahead of schedule.

New figures released in the project’s latest Socio-Economic impact report show that £1.7 billion has now been spent with more than 1,100 companies across the region.

Of that money, Bristol has benefitted to the tune of £448m, Somerset £368m and Gloucestershire and Devon £59m.

So far 640 apprentices have been recruited, from steel fixing and crane operations to commercial management and hospitality.

More than 10,000 jobs have been created to support the project so far, and 11,000 people have been trained and assessed in Somerset at the Construction Skills Centre.

EDF say the target has been reached early due to a ‘continued focus on using local suppliers’.

Stephen Henagulph, chief executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “We’re extremely proud to be playing our part in this hugely important infrastructure project and to help secure a legacy for Somerset’s highly-skilled and diverse business community through collaborative working with EDF.

“To have Hinkley Point C on our doorstep is a huge opportunity and to be able to ensure local businesses can prepare for and win contracts for the project has been hugely rewarding for the Hinkley Supply Chain team, which is overseen by Somerset Chamber.”

Karl Tucker, Chair of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW LEP) added: “We welcome the news that the regional investment target for Hinkley Point C has already been beaten.

“The LEP invested some £30m into training, skills and workforce development to maximise on its economic benefits through projects such as the National College for Nuclear, the Institute of Technology, the Welding Centre of Excellence and road and rail infrastructure and innovation.

“With our partners at the West of England LEP we invested £1m in the Hinkley Supply Chain, enabling local businesses to secure contracts from its development and operations.”