What we do

We are the voice of business for the Bristol. Working alongside local councils and key stakeholders, the Initiative provides an effective link between the private, public and third sectors; ensuring that business can channel its voice and help shape and influence policies.

Working in partnership with members, over the next year we will continue focusing on our mission to bring leaders together to create a prosperous city region. The overarching themes of our work in the coming year are:

  • Promoting clean inclusive growth
  • Transforming transport and mobility
  • Tackling deprivation
  • Improving education and skills

We work with business and community leaders with a passion for creating meaningful, long lasting change for our city. 

News & updates from the Initiative

Summer rail upgrade for Bristol means long-term gain for our city and region

Whilst many of us won’t have been taking the train over the past year as a consequence of COVID-19 measures and restrictions, in the years in the lead up to the pandemic we have been experiencing a...
Posted on: 12.07.21
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Planning for the future of our city centres

The intimidating heavyweight boxer, Mike Tyson, once famously replied to a reporter who asked whether he was worried about his opponent’s fight plan with the response: “Everyone has a plan until they...
Ian Bell
Ian Bell
Business West
Posted on: 08.07.21
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Bristol and West of England business leaders taking action to tackle climate change

Bristol and West of England Chamber & Initiative President Richard Bonner opened and chaired what is set to be one of many climate change themed Initiative meetings in the coming months and years...
Nina Skubala
Nina Skubala
Business West
Posted on: 05.07.21
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G7, Climate Change and Bristol: The new Atlantic Charter

Yesterday, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson and the President of the United States, Joe Biden agreed on a new Atlantic Charter in advance of the G7 Summit. The new agreement echoes events of 80...
Nina Skubala
Nina Skubala
Business West
Posted on: 11.06.21
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Metro Mayor Dan Norris tells West of England business leaders he will put region ‘on the map’

Dan Norris gave his first address to the region’s business community since being elected as Mayor of the West of England at a meeting of the Bristol & West of England Initiative yesterday (3rd...
Posted on: 04.06.21
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Bristol businesses leading on equality, diversity and inclusion

The May 2021 Initiative meeting took place on so-called ‘super Thursday’ – a day which saw voters in Bristol and the West of England head to the polls to elect their local leaders. President Richard...
Posted on: 11.05.21
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