The Bristol Port Company has recruited 55 new employees to help it cope with growing demand for both imports and exports.
The new recruits include 14 apprentices as well as general assistants, car trade and warehouse staff. The company, which owns Avonmouth Dock and Royal Portbury Dock, now employs 550 people directly with a further 7,000 jobs dependent on the port.
The port, one of the UK’s busiest for vehicle imports and exports, achieved a 4% increase in overall car movements to
just over 400,000.
Short sea imports from Spain and Italy were particularly strong, up more than 10% due to strong sales in UK. Export volumes to the Mediterranean region also held up well despite the economic situation in many of those countries.
The port also handles coal, biomass and liquid energy products, animal feed and grain, timber and metals and fresh produce. It is also becoming a regular port of call for cruise ships.
Chief executive Simon Bird said: “We have been very busy over the past year so this is the perfect time to expand our workforce. I am delighted to welcome this enthusiastic group of new recruits to the company.”
Pictured: Simon Bird, far left, with 27 of the 55 new recruits on the inner lock gates at Royal Portbury Dock
