A STATE-OF-THE-ART £300,000 technology suite designed to cement Copeland's place as a digital leader has been opened in Whitehaven.

Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin group launched its new digital technology hub this week in Rutherford House, part of the Westlakes Science & Technology Park.

Copeland Mayor Mike Starkie opened the suite in an event attended by Atkins/SNC-Lavalin staff and representatives from local businesses and business groups.

The new digital suite features facilities which allow clients to develop ideas, visualise data and collaborate with global teams seamlessly and securely.

The suite represents an investment of more than £300,000 to bring the latest digital technologies to its West Lakes Science Park offices as part of a global Lava Labs programme to be launched in the new year.

Technology in the suite includes a digital immersion room, digital design desks, a virtual reality area and an auditorium to host events and discussions.

Atkins marketing director Dave Wilson said: “Whitehaven is a hub of innovation in nuclear energy and this digital suite will enable both Atkins and our clients in the region to connect seamlessly with global teams to collaborate on projects, technology and research plans. Digitaltechnologies will play a huge part in shaping the nuclear industry’s future, and we are extremely excited by this important investment in our Whitehaven offices and the opportunities it presents for our teams and clients.”

Mr Starkie said: “I’m absolutely delighted to join the Atkins team today at the unveiling of their new digital technology hub.

“Copeland is rapidly becoming a centre for digital excellence and it’s fantastic to see large scale international companies investing locally, putting us at the forefront of emerging technologies and ensuring our local workforce can connect with colleagues around the world.

“There’s never been a better time to invest in digital technology and harness the innovation this brings to the industry and the local area.”

Atkins has had a presence in Whitehaven for more than 30 years, with more than 200 staff working from its Rutherford House offices in Westlakes Science & Technology Park. More than 3,000 highly-skilled experts work across its global Nuclear & Power business on projects across the entire nuclear lifecycle, from design and delivery through its operating life, and final decommissioning.