Collaboration between some of Bristol’s most creative innovators and those from its twin town Bordeaux are being explored following a visit by an official delegation from the French city.
The group from Bordeaux spent four days in Bristol during which they toured the Watershed media centre, Engine Shed innovation hub, UWE and Knowle West Media Centre. 
The group was headed by the city’s assistant mayor for business development, innovation and social enterprise and included city hall officials, small and medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, students and members of the twinning association.
During the visit the delegates met some of the creative minds behind Bristol’s new and long-established innovative projects, with an aim of sharing best practice and looking for ways to collaborate on research, policy and business.
The delegates were particularly impressed by Bristol’s strong entrepreneurial spirit and the effective collaboration putting the city on the international map for innovative thinking.
The two cities, which have been twinned since 1947, share many similarities – both are home to organisations that are leading the way in the creative and digital sectors.
Mairie de Bordeaux (city council) director of digital Antoine Bidegain said: “Our cities have so much in common. We are creative, we are more or less the same size and we have an opportunity to lead the way in technology and creative industries. We wanted to use this opportunity to bring over a little sample of our creative world to see what Bristol is all about.
“In our short trip we have been exposed to so much creativity and have been truly inspired by what we have seen. We now expect to see new projects starting up within the next month or so which will bring real benefits for both cities.”
Assistant Mayor for Bordeaux Cécile Migliore added: “Bristol has taught me that there is more we can do to look after new businesses and nurture new entrepreneurs. Engine Shed is a great example of how this can work in practice. I want to take their message of ‘create, collaborate and innovate’ back to France and see what new heights we can achieve together.”
Bristol Lord Mayor Cllr Alastair Watson said it was important the two cities worked together to make the most of available funding.
“Developments in the technological and creative industries these days rely on international contacts and collaboration,” he said.
“By building better international connections we can ensure that these industries continue to grow in Bristol. Stronger links ultimately mean stronger industries and better employment opportunities for the people of Bristol. In Bristol we recognise that these sectors represent the future and we want to make sure we keep one step ahead.”
The visit was arranged by the Bristol Junior Chamber and Jeune Chambre Economique de Bordeaux with the Mairie de Bordeaux and Bristol City Council.
