EDF Energy’s community relations efforts shortlisted for CIPR PRide Award
EDF Energy has been shortlisted for an award at the 2013 CIPR South West PRide Awards.
The company has been recognised for its outstanding work across the region with a nomination for the “Community Relations” award. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the CIPR PRide awards, which will be held at The Bristol Hotel at the Harbourside in Bristol.
EDF Energy’s awards entry highlighted the opening of new Visitor Centres, including the one at Angel Place shopping centre in Bridgwater, as well as the company’s support of the Cheltenham Science Festival.
Since opening last December, the Hinkley Point Visitor Centre has attracted 5,000 visitors through its doors. The centre offers an interactive experience for individuals, groups and schools to discover more about nuclear energy, as well as offering tours of the Hinkley Point B power station.
EDF Energy’s funding of the Science Festival’s outreach programme supports science into schools and careers advice in Gloucestershire and Somerset, as well as London and Lancashire.
The energy company employs around 4,000 people across the south west, with its Hinkley Point B power station near Bridgwater hosting 550 EDF Energy staff along with 220 contract partners.
Managing Director of EDF Energy’s nuclear generation business, Dr Andy Spurr, said: “As a company we place great importance on building links with the communities around our sites. To see this work recognised by this nomination is very encouraging, but we are determined to do even more to reach out to our neighbours.”
The CIPR PRide Awards recognise the outstanding talents and achievements of public relations practitioners across the UK’s regions and nations. They are the most prestigious and rigorous awards of their kind.
Local MP, Ian Liddell-Grainger, said: “The Visitor Centre is fabulous and I think it is right to be in the centre of Bridgwater. When you’re shopping or you have the kids you can pop in, look and see what’s going on. It’s a chance for people to understand what nuclear is about, what goes on at a plant. It’s great, absolutely stunning.”
Commenting on this year’s shortlist announcement, CIPR President Sue Wolstenhome FCIPR, said: “The CIPR PRide Awards celebrate the very best in public relations from across the UK’s regions and nations. This year’s entries were all of an incredibly high standard, highlighting the industry-leading work that is taking place right across the UK. I would like to congratulate all of those who have been shortlisted for an award; their success demonstrates their exemplary achievements in such a thriving profession, and recognises the impact they have made in their region and beyond.”