News / Energy
Nuclear centre of excellence opens in Bristol
As the construction of two new nuclear reactors continues at Hinkley Point C in Somerset, a UK centre of nuclear excellence has opened in Bristol.
Once completed, the £20bn power station will provide electricity for around six million homes.
At Temple Quarter, the new office of Boccard UK – an international firm who are specialists in nuclear maintenance – will create 30 highly-skilled new jobs.
is needed now More than ever
Boccard chief executive Bruno Boccard traveled from France to officially open the new office alongside the managing director of Hinkley Point C, Stuart Crooks, and West of England mayor Tim Bowles.
The company was founded in France in 1918 and remains a family-owned business, with Bruno and Patrick Boccard now leading the company into its second century.
Boccard UK managing director Douglas McQueen said that the new office is ideally situated near some of their key customers as well as other contractors and partners involved in the Hinkley Point C project.
McQueen said that Boccard are looking to establish a strong relationship with the National College for Nuclear southern hub at Bridgwater & Taunton College to provide training and job opportunities within the region.
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McQueen added: “We’re very grateful to the West of England Combined Authority – through its inward investment arm Invest Bristol & Bath – for its support and assistance in identifying a suitable location and for opening the doors to work alongside a variety of local businesses.
“In the future, Boccard will look to strengthen ties with local businesses for its supply chain.”
Bowles said: “We’re delighted to welcome Boccard UK to the West of England, creating even more opportunities for our highly-skilled residents and increasing our supply chain activity – both nationally and globally.
“We’ve supported Boccard UK’s investment into our region by providing business intelligence, through Invest Bristol & Bath, including advice on property and relocation assistance for its staff.
“The West of England Combined Authority will continue to work closely with Boccard UK to support its growth and ambitions in the region.”
At the opening of Boccard UK’s new nuclear centre of excellence in Bristol, from left to right: Corinne Matthews, new nuclear coordinator, Heart of the South West LEP; Stuart Crooks, managing director of Hinkley Point C; Douglas McQueen, Boccard UK managing director; Bruno Boccard, Boccard chief executive; and West of England mayor, Tim Bowles
Read more: Anger at Hinkley Point nuclear plans
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