Investors will be hoping new prime minister Theresa May's cold feet on the Hinkley Point C nuclear project will be shortlived given the involvement of several major listed businesses.
Rolls-Royce (RR.), Balfour Beatty (BBY), Babcock International (BAB) and G4S (GFS) all have an interest in the project either directly or through joint ventures. This is by virtue of them being granted 'preferred bidder' status. For Rolls-Royce, nuclear makes up just 6 per cent of group revenue, but the delay will not be welcome news to the business, which has recently issued profit warnings and cut its dividend.
Balfour is a preferred bidder on the £460m electrical contract for the site through joint venture NG Bailey. The work would see it deliver power to the station through 3,000 kilometres of cables. For Babcock, its Cavendish Boccard Nuclear joint venture is the preferred bidder for the 'Balance of Nuclear Island' mechanical package, which involves the installation of key systems.
