Business West at the Docks Heritage Weekend

The Initiative at Business West and its members have long played an active role in preserving and regenerating Bristol’s historic docks and harbourside.

This weekend, along the stretch of water from the M Shed to Underfall Yard, past one of the Initiative’s earliest projects, the Matthew, and all the way up to SS Great Britain, a fiesta of family fun celebrating Bristol’s maritime heritage is in store.

On Saturday 30 September and Sunday 1 October, visitors to the Docks Heritage Weekend can look forward to cargo handling demonstrations, trying their hand at nautical knot tying and more.

Sponsored by Initiative members, The Bristol Port Company, the yearly event in 2017 coincides with the 40th anniversary of Portbury and the 140th anniversary of Avonmouth Dock, making the celebrations extra special.

To show support, Business West is donating its very own converted shipping container, decorated by local street artists to encourage local businesses to get exporting.
The container has been stationed at a variety of prominent places across Bristol and  is symbolic of Bristol’s status as an industrious, maritime world city.

So much so, that Business West Chambers & Initiative recently scooped the Best Job Creation and Business Development gong at ICC World Chambers Federation awards in Sydney for its International Trade Centre, which has helped Bristol and the South West to move from being the worst performing region in Great Britain for exports to become one of the best .

James Durie, Chief Executive, Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative comments:

“In a competitive global marketplace Bristol and the South West continues to stand firm when it comes to international trade, much of which is facilitated by our seaports.

“In the last two years Business West has helped businesses to achieve almost £0.5bn worth of additional export sales and create 5000 jobs for South West companies.

“Through lending our support to such a high profile event, we hope to raise public awareness of the success of local exporters, while celebrating the city’s maritime heritage that we have worked tirelessly with many partners to preserve and progress as a place to live and work.”

Katherine Lovell, PR & Communications, The Bristol Port Company added: “The Bristol Port Company is delighted to continue its support for this annual event celebrating Bristol’s maritime heritage.”

For more information on the Docks Heritage Weekend visit: https://www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/whats-on/docks-heritage-weekend/