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

3 Questions with Mike Haigh, Executive Chair, Mott MacDonald

The University of the West of England (UWE), in partnership with Business West, runs an annual lecture series that brings top business leaders to Bristol. We caught up with Mike Haigh, Executive...
Posted on: 03.11.21
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Q&A with Dr Jo Dally - Director of Western Gateway

Dr Jo Dally, 42, has been a highflier in business and government. She now needs all that experience to pilot the day to day running of the region’s Western Gateway partnership which was born two...
Ian Mean
Ian Mean
Business West
Posted on: 01.11.21
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City partners urge local businesses to invest in the future of the city

Decarbonising Bristol’s economy will involve an investment of £9.2 billion of private and public finance in the city to get to Net Zero by 2030. The call from Mayor Marvin Rees and James Durie,...
Ian Mean
Ian Mean
Business West
Posted on: 22.10.21
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Broadmead will recover from M&S closure

We are sorry to hear Marks & Spencer make this announcement having been a mainstay and anchor of shopping in central Bristol for many years. We know this will be a shock to the employees and...
Posted on: 13.10.21
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Business West takes part in West of England Black Interns Pilot

Diversity is a big challenge to everyone in business these days. And here at Business West we believe we have role to play in diversity so that our staff and member businesses have a wide pool of...
Ian Mean
Ian Mean
Business West
Posted on: 12.10.21
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Making the most of Bath’s top-class universities

Our first face to face Initiative meeting for more than 18 months was a great success, though it felt slightly strange seeing members in the flesh again after so long. It was a bit like the first day...
Ian Bell
Ian Bell
Business West
Posted on: 08.10.21
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