BUSINESSES in Somerset have been invited to an open day to hear about the opportunities to work with Agratas - which is developing a £4bn factory near the M5.

The global battery business is building a state-of-the-art battery cell manufacturing facility near Bridgwater, which is expected to create around 4,000 jobs.

In partnership with Sir Robert McAlpine, building contractor Agratas will host a Supplier Engagement Day on Tuesday, October 8, from 9am to 12pm at The Canalside in Bridgwater.

The event will offer local businesses a chance to connect directly with the Agratas team and hear how development is progressing.

Attendees will also gain insights into how Agratas and Sir Robert McAlpine intend to collaborate with companies in the area to boost local supply chains and the wider economy.

Businesses who would like to be part of this sdevelopment and who have the necessary core skills and competencies to deliver the following services are being encouraged to attend:

Joe Hibbert, vice-president of capital projects at Agratas, said: “As we accelerate the development of our battery facility, we’re seeking outstanding local partners who share our vision for a sustainable future. This is a nationally significant project, set to power the transition to electric mobility, and we’re excited to meet businesses who want to be at the heart of this transformation.”

The Supplier Engagement Day forms part of Agratas’s community-first commitment to local economic growth, offering businesses the chance to be part of a landmark development that will create jobs and long-term opportunities for people.

Craig Allen, managing director, industrial, at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “As work on the Somerset site ramps up, we’re excited to connect with local partners. This is one of the largest projects of its kind in the UK, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for those in the region to make their mark.”

Businesses can expect to hear from Agratas and Sir Robert McAlpine on how they collaborate with SMEs in their local supply chain. They will also hear updates on the progress made on site to date and the importance Agratas places on hearing from and engaging with the local community throughout the development of the facility.

Finally, they will have the opportunity to find out more about the Supply Chain Sustainability School, a virtual learning platform around sustainability to up-skill those working in the built environment, and the Construction Line, a procurement partner which assesses companies’ compliance with standards and regulations. Businesses interested in attending the event can register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/agratas-and-delivery-partner-sir-robert-mcalpine-meets-smes-in-somerset-tickets-1013708809337

David Crew, managing director of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, added: “Somerset’s businesses are ready to drive the green revolution. The Supplier Engagement Day represents a fantastic platform for local enterprises to connect and explore new opportunities at the heart of the energy transition. Together, we can power a sustainable future for the region.”