Huawei R&D to happen in Bristol

West Country centre to expand local research efforts

Chinese networking giant Huawei is to set up a research and development centre in Bristol.

Guo Ping, the joint chief executive whose turn it is to lead the company, said the move is part of the UK government's innovation programme.

"The UK is forward thinking, progressive, and fosters innovation. This creativity is a major asset to our R&D efforts and gives us the perfect platform to continue pioneering the new, ground-breaking technologies that are building the future," Guo (pictured, right) said.

He added that the Bristol location will host 30 staff focused on research into chipsets and software and complement an existing optoelectronics R&D centre in Ipswich. By the end of 2014, Huawei R&D is expected to have 140 staff in the UK, doubling that figure by about 2017.

"We are committed to working with our customers and partners in the UK, bringing value to the UK ICT industry and helping its products and technologies go global," he said.

Huawei has had a UK operation since 2001, which today has 15 offices and 900 employees.