John Savage Steps Down as Board Director

As many of you know, John was the Executive lead for the formation of the Bristol Initiative 40 years ago and played a pivotal role in tackling the deprivation and regeneration of Bristol through business and social initiatives, large and small. He spearheaded the public and private partnerships that, amongst other success, resulted in the Bristol Harbourside, the building of the Matthew, and Cabot Circus developments, and creation of Destination Bristol, later Visit West. 

He was for some years a board member of Bristol Old Vic and chaired the joint churches Ecumenical Committee for Industrial and Social Reform, which, among other things, supplied Industrial chaplains to many public and business organisations.

As Chief Executive of The Bristol Initiative (TBI) from 1989, John took on the role of Chief Executive following the merger of the Bristol Initiative and the Bristol Chamber of Commerce (BCC) to form the Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative (BCCI). This has been instrumental in the development of so many of the key projects that shape Bristol as we see it today: 

• Regeneration of key strategic sites including Harbourside, the Old City Docks, and Temple Quay 
• The creation with key partners of Business Link to provide advice and support for small and medium businesses that often lacked the infrastructure to allow them to invest in growth and forward planning.
• Founder of the Bristol Cultural Development Partnership, later Bristol Ideas, in 1992, with major works including We the Curious, the Architecture Centre and the renewal of the Arnolfini and Watershed
• Facilitating the BCCI and Western Development Partnership in 1993; building strategic alliances across the US & Europe including ‘The Matthew’ visit to Newfoundland.
• Overseeing the development of Broadmead & Cabot Circus, as Chair of the Broadmead Board 
• Forming Destination Bristol, later Visit West, in 1999, a partnership between Bristol City Council & Business West, to set up the Bristol Tourism Conference Bureau, promoting the city as a destination for both visitors & businesses.

 
As well as his integral work with Business West and the Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Initiative, John has spent more than 40 years leading or running a variety of businesses and charitable organisations culminating him being awarded a CBE for services to Business and Regeneration in 2006. Over the years he led the award-winning The University of Bristol Hospital Foundation Trust, chaired the West of England and Southwest Learning and Skills Councils, formed an education funding body, led a cross-party leadership group, chaired a regional transport panel and was High Sheriff of Bristol. He was for most of its existence a board member of the Regional Development Authority.  Today he remains a Cathedral Canon in the Church of England.
 
Phil Smith said “For over four decades, John has brought to Business West his cocktail of firm philosophical belief, sharp business acumen, and ability to think about the longer term. I will miss his unique ability to see the wood for the trees. I wish him a long and productive retirement”