Winter 2018/19 Celebrating, Supporting

CELEBRATING, SUPPORTING & BRINGING WINTER 2018/19 BRISTOL BUSINESSES TOGETHER

sponsored by OPINION

‘Businesses and social enterprise can work together for mutual beneﬁt’

Donna Thomas, investment manager at Resonance, makes the case for big business and social enterprise to work together

Resonance funds support St Paul’s social enterprise Paper Arts, based at Redbrick House

There are many ways that several ways businesses can do to support social enterprises. For businesses can work together with this such as via their corporate example: Paul Handford, our head of social enterprise, for mutual benefit. social responsibility (CSR) communications, is a non-executive Resonance is a social impact budgets, set aside for activities director of Bristol Credit Union investment company with an that have a positive impact. and all of our board members are extensive business support Traditionally, CSR budgets volunteers, working to help fight network, open to individuals and are used to give grants, but they financial eclusion in the city. professional organisations, and can also be invested directly I am the treasurer at Crisis we always encourage members into business via funds, such as Centre Ministries, a charity that to offer time and skills to our those managed at Resonance. has supported those with life- enterprises, which we have found to We currently create and manage disrupting problems such as be a huge benefit to both parties. several social investment funds homelessness and addiction t is often difficult for social that are sector and regionally for more than 30 years. enterprises to afford all the focused. Investing gives social Drawing on my own experience, skills they need to grow, and enterprises access to affordable I would actively encourage therefore getting help from loans and allows them to become other businesses to allow staff individuals or companies on a less reliant on grant income to time off to apply their skills and volunteer or ‘pro bono’ basis survive, and CSR budgets are support social enterprises - not makes a huge difference. replenished as the income is repaid. only is it a great help to the Our Bristol SITR social enterprise, it can also help Just a few hours once a month can Fund works with local build staff skills and confidence make a monumental dierence to how social enterprises that in a different environment. private sector executives understand have the aim of helping Working with, or investing in, the true meaning of social enterprise to dismantle poverty social enterprises can benefit in the region. The fund a business in so many ways: Just a few hours once a has currently received investments it can improve public image month can make a monumental from more than 100 individual and perception of them, it can difference to the way entrepreneurs investors and has so far invested also help with staff recruitment run their businesses and how, in six social enterprises in the city, and retention, as for many primarily private sector, executives including Paper Arts, South Bristol employees, it’s becoming begin to understand the true Sports and Street Impact Bristol. increasingly important to work for meaning of social enterprise Resonance also leads by a business with shared values. and its importance to society. example, directly supporting A way of demonstrating a bviously making a financial social enterprises by actively business’s values is through its commitment to an enterprise encouraging staff to volunteer. CSR policy and the charities or Donna Thomas is also a benefit and there are The company gives paid time off social enterprises it supports.

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 11 sponsored by What makes business in Bristol unique? Innovative, rebellious and fiercely independent – Better Business takes a look at the city’s strengths and the challenges posed by a fast-growing economy

Filwood Green Business Park is one of the Bristol hubs helping to foster an exciting, entrepreneurial environment Nathalie Schenk Nathalie

News that Channel 4 has chosen thinking that Bristolians hold dear. there are opportunities for all? Bristol as the home for one It is no secret that the gateway to Created in the wake of the of its new creative hubs met the West Country is ever-growing in 00 financial crash, the ristol with widespread celebration popularity. Figures released by the Pound is one example of the across the city in October. ffice for ational Statistics early ability to think big and act local. Hailed as a major coup for the in 2018 revealed that an average Still the largest alternative region, the broadcaster’s decision of 80 people a week are moving currency in the UK, and one is viewed, not only as a chance from London alone to Bristol. of the biggest in Europe, the to attract new jobs and boost This is taking its toll on housing, initiative aims to support the local already-thriving sectors, but also infrastructure and more, but it is economy in a sustainable way. as validation of the rebellious, also proof that Bristol is a thriving “Bristol is very good for this independent spirit and innovative- city that consistently punches kind of project,” says managing above its weight – whether this director Diana Finch, who be in aerospace, animation, is now seeking to grow and arts or artificial intelligence. develop the currency further. The challenge now is to “It has a proper ecosystem that’s channel this prosperity into an small enough that people know inclusive economy, an ambition each other, but big enough that we that was a key element in the have a healthy mix of businesses successful Channel 4 bid. that meet each others’ needs.” So, what are some of the uniue Aardman, one of Bristol’s most ualities underpinning the citys globally successful companies, continuing success and how can made headlines around the world Silas Adekunle, Reach Robotics these be harnessed to ensure with the recent announcement

12 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 FEATURE

that co-founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton are transferring the company into employee ownership. What makes business The move is a deliberate bid to ensure the world-famous brand remains independent, in Bristol unique? securing its creative legacy. This propensity to put people before profit is integral to the sense of pride in the city. Marti Burgess, Gregg Latchams Diana Finch, Bristol Pound

Marti Burgess is head of Poku Osei corporate SME (small and medium important section of the economy. community that works together and enterprises) for Bristol-based Wapping Wharf’s collective of shares ideas on many platforms. Poku Osei, founder law firm regg atchams and independents continue to thrive “The make-up of this city is and CEO of co-owner of Lakota nightclub. since the completion of the shipping unique. It means we are able to trade Babbasa, a youth “I think something that is quite container complex on a once- in new ways, using our diversity empowerment social unique is that people are committed derelict plot on Bristol’s harbourside. to the advantage of the economy. enterprise, says to the city – it’s not just a city Reflecting on the ethos behind This is lacking in many cities across there is still work you go to for a job,” she says. the development, Stuart Hatton, the globe and something I feel we to do to improve “There is a decent amount managing director of Umberslade, don’t celebrate enough in Bristol. opportunities for all… of big business and that means the company behind Wapping Wharf, “While it is growing and bustling, “Bristol’s thriving the knock-on effect is quite a says: “Right from the start, we it still manages to retain its sense economy, with fertile ground for SMEs. knew we wanted to build a proper of individuality and I feel that is two world class “It’s great that we have those big sense of community at Wapping a box not many cities can tick.” universities, should players because they need stuff and, Wharf and we’ve focused on Reach Robotics is one of the city’s equate to decent jobs in the main, buy locally. That means independent businesses since these latest shining stars making its mark and opportunities we have a healthy legal and tech are where much of the creativity on the global economy, and has for aspiring young sector. Once we have a bit of success and innovation happen in Bristol.” grown 124 per cent in the last year, residents in the city. in any sector, it’s like a domino effect.” Away from the city centre, high Founder Silas Adekunle launched “The reality, The likes of Engine Shed, Filwood streets are the cornerstone of the business, along with two unfortunately, does Business Park, Bottle Yard Studios, Bristol’s circular economy, creating friends, whilst still in his third year not mirror this logic. Knowle West Media Centre, and supporting vibrant, varied and of studying robotics at Bristol UWE And the issue is SetSquared and more help foster an interconnected neighbourhoods. and was named in Forbes’ 30 under particular stark from exciting, collective entrepreneurial Abdul Malik, the owner of Pak 30 list for European tech in 2018. young residents environment that is putting Bristol Butchers, which has several Sitting in the company’s from ethnic minority on the map, while also playing a stores across the city, does epansive Stoke ifford HQ, Silas backgrounds. lead role in promoting inclusion. not believe he would have been reflects on the decision to keep “If I could test out According to Bristol City Council, afforded the same opportunities the business in the city, rather a radical idea, it a significant majority of people anywhere else in the country. than a more established tech hub, would have been in the city are now employed by “The opportunities for new such as San Francisco: “It’s easy to introduce some SMEs, and both public and private entrepreneurs are really good,” he for me to say how great a place sort of a city charter sectors are keen to support this says. “We have a thriving business Bristol is because we choose to or policy for all stay here,” he says. “We have two corporate entities universities, so a lot of talent, and that operates we have a really strong relationship within the city to with UWE. We work with schools consider a verifiable to try to get more people into positive action STEM and get them excited. initiative for young “That my journey into a career, residents in skills so the whole ecosystem works.” He and employment. says challenges remain in accessing This would come funding and attracting people with with clear incentives, the right kind of experience, adding: disincentives and here is a fighting spirit here accountability know a few companies that decided expectations. to stay in Bristol and that is because “After all Bristol the grass is greener the more you always respond well water it, so I’m taking a long-term to radical ideas.” Wapping Wharf’s collective of independents continue to thrive

Jon Craig Jon look at the ecosystem here.”

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 13 FEATURE sponsored by

Black graduates Sado Jirde across the country are paid on average Kalpna Woolf Zainab Khan 23% Diversity matters LESS ‘Improving representation on boards and in senior leadership is fundamentally than their white important for business, for society, for everybody’ peers and are more than Diversity in business makes a globalised society, where approach is already gaining national sense: it’s proven to boost having insight and access recognition as a model with TWICE innovation, improve decision- to diverse communities and potential to achieve real change. as likely to be making, drive productivity understanding markets all add to r ainab han, a senior unemployed after and increase profitability. your business. ts a nobrainer. fellow in law at ristol, leaving university. Yet many companies see it as esearch by notforprofit founded the universitys uity *Souce: Government’s too high a hurdle, evidenced in the organisation CIPD found that programme to help ensure labour market statistics 2016 underrepresentation of women, companies with the most ethnically graduates get the jobs they black, sian and minority ethnic diverse eecutive teams are deserve, and the Link networking groups, disabled and per cent more likely to outperform event to connect students with people from low socioeconomic their peers on profitability. prospective employers. backgrounds – a trend that ristol, as the s most divided e cannot have a one sie fits increases at leadership levels. core city, has some catching up to all approach, she says, eplaining hile some positive steps have do, but a determined collective is that many factors including INCLUSIVE been made to improve workplace at the forefront of groundbreaking structural racism, lack of role teams make and boardroom diversity, structural work to improve representation - models and inadeuate support BETTER ineuality is deeply ingrained, and businesses have the chance can prevent talented students particularly when it comes to race. to take a lead in driving change. achieving their career aspirations. BUSINESS decisions up to Racism, in the form of negative SetSuared, the inistry of The wider business community stereotyping and conscious efence and ristol ity ouncil has responded well to the initiative and unconscious biases, was are among employers in the city the largest of its kind at any 87% overwhelmingly identified as taking positive action, with a university, thanks to support and of the time. the most significant barrier number of industryled initiatives. investment from and the ink * Source: to business development in a alpna oolf, the brains networking events attract a strong Study by Forbes recent survey of ristol behind ristols ays project, turnout of companies seeking companies, conducted by the lack which uses food to bridge gaps the net generation of talent. South est etwork S. among communities, believes or han, a key challenge is Sado Jirde, director of BSWN, her pioneering organisation, to encourage conversations believes that while mainstream enoard, will be a game about hiring processes. ost business leaders grasp the moral changer in terms of social and people are very uncomfortable Companies with impetus for diversity, it continues to economic impact in the city. talking about race, so they just the most ethnically be viewed in a negative light rather Focussing on the key areas dont do it, but its not an ecuse diverse executive than something to be valued. of corporate, small and medium to say that people dont teams are “Improving representation on enterprises, tech, sport and apply for jobs, she says. boards and in senior leadership education, oolf is working in Speaking on the need for positive roles is fundamentally important partnership with Business West action, oolf adds t will finally 33% for business, for society, for to open doors for those groups allow people with leadership skills more likely to everybody, she argues. ts not currently underrepresented. from every gender and ethnic outperform just for visibility, it also enhances enoard also runs workshops background to break through their peers on decisionmaking processes. and training for employees willing the glass ceilings and add the profitability. verybody ends up winning, to step up to decision-making undeniable value of diversity of * Source: Research by CIPD especially in the contet of roles. oolf says the twopronged thought to shaping our future.

14 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 sponsored by OPINION

Here are City to Sea’s top ﬁ ve ways businesses can have an immediate impact:

1. Refuse single-use. Phase out and replace single-use plastic cutlery, straws, cups and ‘to-go’ packaging. Only have reusable cups for events, encourage staff to carry a reusable bottle and provide access to drinking water. Rebecca Burgess

2. Ask for help. Bristol has lots of amazing consultants to offer ‘To truly have a positive impact on expert environmental advice on your business - helping the environment, every organisation, you to minimise waste and business, community and citizen become more sustainable. 3. Inspire others. As a business, in Bristol needs to participate you have the power to inspire your staff, who can continue this ripple outside of work. Host now and into the future’ a ‘Lunch & Learn’ with City to City to Sea is working to prevent marine plastic pollution - one bottle at a time. Sea founder Natalie Fee, who’ll Commercial director Rebecca Burgess considers the difference businesses can make deliver an inspirational talk about plastic pollution and what you can do. Alternatively, why not In 2007, the Bristol Green Capital much more food, energy and durable get your staff out and about in Partnership was formed to tackle goods than rural populations. the community? Bristol is lucky climate change in a model that’s Energy consumption for to have a comprehensive list admired globally. One year later, electricity, transportation, cooking of events that you can attend, ristol became the s fi rst and heating is growing alongside often for free, to hear from other ever Cycling City, in 2015 it was the volume of car drivers, increasing businesses taking action. European Green Capital and in pressure on Bristol’s already 2016, it was named one of the crowded and polluted roads. 4. Use your voice. Share your Rockefeller 100 Resilient Cities. Our job is clearly not done. news directly with your City to Sea is a non- Now Bristol has committed At City to Sea we believe customers through your profit organisation, to be carbon neutral by 2030. in a simple mantra: local communication channels. founded in Bristol After years of green awards action, global difference. Share your businesses’ success by Natalie Fee in and commitments, we might Our recent study found that 85 stories and communicate your 2015 that engages think our job is done. per cent of people in the South West company’s wider environmental communities Why shouldn’t we pat ourselves are worried about the impact of place in the world. It’s been and works on the back and look to other plastic pollution in the environment. shown that if you make public collaboratively cities with smugness, knowing We know people want to take commitments to an action, you with businesses to that we have this environmental action on environmental issues are far more likely to stick to it. reverse the trend revolution sorted? and through our campaigns, for disposable After all, business in Bristol we’re able to engage them in 5. Support efi ll ristol. he scheme items, to safeguard is booming. We’ve recently simple, fun and positive ways. makes it easy for people to ditch seas for the future. been named as the fastest There’s also brilliant innovative single-use water bottles in favour nationally growing city in a work taking place across Bristol, of a reusable bottle. We now have Get in touch if your report by Lloyds Bank. demonstrating we are still leading more than ,000 efi ll stations business would By mid-2027, Bristol is the way on many issues. across the . hrough the efi ll like to support projected to have a population To truly have a positive impact on app, we are able to connect City to Sea and its of more than 500,000. the environment, every organisation, thirsty people with businesses, campaigns. www. But what does this all mean business, community and citizen water fountains and hubs, where citytosea.org.uk. for the environment? across Bristol needs to participate they can refi ll for free, preventing Urban populations consume now and into the future. plastic pollution at source.

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 15 OPINION sponsored by

Gloucester Road Clifton Village

Easton Bedminster ‘A busy, if slightly chaotic, high street is vibrant and popular’

Richard Davis, High streets around the country need to be both a convenience environment and improving public chairman of Clifton are facing substantial changes for locals and a destination for transport into these areas. Village BID and wine again. Unlike the 90s, when those from further afield, and Regrettably, the traditional merchant, looks at independent food shops were cut offer products and services that high streets away from the centre changes affecting down by supermarkets, now the you can’t ordinarily get online. are not seen as strategic and Bristol’s high streets department stores are suffering A busy, if slightly chaotic, high indeed are negatively impacted due to the rise of online ordering. street is vibrant and popular. by the desire to drive traffic out Change is ever constant as Business Improvement Districts of the city. What works for Cabot, shopping habits alter and high can be a great asset to an area with its large car parks, does not streets need to evolve to meet by pulling businesses together, simply translate to the outlying the challenge. They also need the enabling them to pool resources areas without parking and public support and understanding of to improve and maximise the transport infrastructure. government, council and residents. character of the area and increase The council is unlikely to roll Thankfully, artisan food shops the number of visitors. They can back on this, but we desperately are enjoying a renaissance and also lobby local authorities to need it to hold off on further supermarkets are now keen to return ensure businesses are listened to. restrictions and let the high to the high street as convenience I am pleased to say that the streets rebuild lost business. stores because of the changing government’s small business rate Residents who enjoy the exciting habits of customers, confirming that relief scheme has helped small mix of independent shops can nothing stays the same forever. shops; although, frustratingly, when help by using their local traders, As well as the destination the rateable value exceeds £15,000, but also by recognising that the shopping centres like Cabot this relief stops and many medium busy bustle of a working street is Circus and Cribbs Causeway, sized businesses are disadvantaged. positive and supports the local Bristol is blessed with great The news is also full of economy. By sterilising streets of high streets that each has its larger retailers crippled by cars and vans, the businesses will own personality. Clifton Village, substantial rates when online disappear and the local amenity North Street, Gloucester Road companies are not. This inequity that we all love will be diminished. and more all serve communities will need to be addressed, Ultimately, not every business and attract visitors with their hopefully before it is too late. will make it, but if they provide mix of shops and attractions. Bristol City Council’s focus a service that is needed and High streets thrive when the for retail is very much on Cabot stay relevant to their customers shops and other traders are busy. Circus and the Harbourside, with they will survive and prosper in Richard Davis Footfall is vital for this. High streets much investment in the pedestrian a supportive environment.

16 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 sponsored by OPINION

‘The business community looks on with mounting concern as a ‘no deal’ Brexit appears uncomfortably within the realms of the possible’

Matt Griffith, director of policy for Business West, gives one view on what the UK’s withdrawal from the EU could mean for the region.

‘A ‘no deal’ Brexit is looking uncomfortably within the realms of the possible’

Two years ago, a ‘no deal’ Brexit companies to increase efficiency Reassurances around continued appeared unthinkable. Yet, with and decrease waste by receiving frictionless trade remain vague, four months to go, it appears goods only as they need them and not enough to base a uncomfortably within the realms for the production process, thus business plan on. A small group of the possible. Deep splits run reducing inventory costs. of MPs seek to de-stabilise the within the UK’s governing party Our creative and tech sectors current situation yet cannot and wider parliament, negotiators rely on European talent and agree a workable alternative. risk miscalculating both intent collaboration, our small exporters The result is that we are already and each others’ red lines. on European markets. seeing local small firms start to shift The business community looks A ‘no deal’ Brexit would threaten investment out of Bristol. Jobs are on with mounting concern. Our all of this. Goods would not be moving elsewhere. Warehouses and major employers and sectors recognised as complying with ‘worst case’ plans are being set up. worry deeply about the impact of regulations, exporters would run But many fear speaking out, leaving the Single Market and the due to the toxic Customs Union; as do many small Bristol has the largest share of atmosphere and medium sied firms, for whom European exports of any large UK city of UK politics. Europe represents a critical market. Many of our local Not ‘big business’, but family deep into customs red tape, our political representatives also firms, companies who have been logistics networks would grind keep their heads down. Some built up from re-mortgaging the to a halt, our current network of fail to understand, or want to house or - in one case - created by global free trade agreements understand, why local businesses refugees from the Second World would cease to exist overnight, are worried, or what is at stake. War coming to Bristol to help build customer relationships, built over Bristol is an open trading city. our world-beating aerospace sector. decades, would be trashed. We thrive looking outwards, According to Centre for Cities, Few in business, nor most taking on new ideas. A ‘no deal’ Bristol has the largest share of in government, want this to would be a major shock to this. European exports of any large UK happen. But the only concrete Whether it happens rests in city. Airbus and GKN depend on guidance that firms have had the hands of negotiators and European ‘just in time’ operations from the Government is how to Parliament. Let us hope they Matt Griffith Jon Craig Jon - an inventory strategy used by prepare for a ‘no deal’ outcome. make sensible decisions.

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 17 sponsored by Women in STEM

Better Business speaks to nine professionals, who share their stories of challenges, triumphs and the advice they would give to those seeking to pursue a career in STEM

As an A-level student, Lara Lalemi passionate about your subject, be management was all too aware of the lack of what you fail to see in the industry. “Bristol has role models in her chosen field of The only way to change the a lot of new chemistry. Not letting this hold STEM community is to fearlessly emerging her back, she set out to be what pursue the positions you want.” activity going she couldn’t see in the industry, on, which is instigating change from within. making it a Now working towards her very fun and exciting place to be chemistry PhD at the University part of. We have plenty of ‘women of Bristol, Lara is passionate in tech’ networking opportunities about making STEM (science, around the city and it’s got the buzz technology, engineering and maths) of a big city like London, but with subjects accessible to all and more of a close community feel. improving diversity in the sector. “I think we need to breakdown She is one of a number of women gender norms and stereotypes in Bristol breaking the mould and with children to encourage striving for success in what remains more girls to show an interest a very male dominatedfield. in careers in STEM.”

LARA LALEMI ANTONIA FORSTER Chemistry PhD student at Planetarium operator at We the University of Bristol PROFESSOR CATHERINE HOBBS The Curious, science presenter “One of the main challenges facing Associate dean of research and and TEDx Bristol speaker the STEM industry is the severe enterprise, faculty of environment Inspired by role models such as lack of BAME (black, Asian and and technology, UWE Bristol BBC Natural History TV presenter minority ethnic) teachers and Only eight per cent of maths Charlotte Uhlenbroek, Antonia academics. If you are unable to professors in the UK are female trained in Zoology at the University see academics like yourself in – Catherine is one of them. of Bristol. But during her stint as roles that you would aspire to, it “I loved mathematics, and a PhD student in a laboratory, is less likely for you to believe it STEM subjects more broadly, she felt like the ‘odd one out’. is an accessible career for you. at school. Having a dad who “Although I wasn’t the only “My advice is, if you are was a maths teacher helped, as woman, I was one of few; and I didn’t perceive mathematics the youngest, least experienced, as an unattainable subject. and (to my knowledge) the only “A main challenge is bringing LGBTQ person. For me personally, sufficient wellualified S being in that position makes graduates into the workforce me feel like there’s a lot of - particularly in engineering. responsibility on my shoulders. Bringing more women into STEM would help to address this. “My advice is: believe in yourself, but don’t feel you have to be a genius to succeed as an academic. Hard work and curiosity are important and being open to asking uestions and to new ideas.

BECKY MAUND Software support engineer for ForgeRock, a company that

Sarah Koury, Kolab Studios specialises in digital identity

18 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 FEATURE

“The advice I would give is: career lies a passion for if you’re not sure exactly what protecting the environment. your dream job is, don’t worry. “The sector in general faces Until a few years ago, I didn’t serious challenges relating to even know this job existed.” Brexit. Many scientists I know have left the UK and gone to work in the EU or elsewhere already. “As a woman of colour in STEM, I have seen quite a few changes over the years since I started working in the late 90s. Initially, I was often one of the only women or non- white faces, in the room during LAURA FOGGROGERS conferences. I felt I had to work Senior research fellow extra hard to be taken seriously. (science communication) and “My advice is study something faculty business associate you enjoy, but that has practical of engineering, design and applications. Don’t be afraid to mathematics at UWE Bristol DR LISA BRODIE move and never say never.” “Science and engineering are Head of the department about solving problems which relate of engineering design and to how we live in the world. If they mathematics at UWE Bristol only relate to the experience of half “I have always had a curiosity for the population, then they are not how things are made. My earliest relevant to all, and they will produce memory was wondering how they solutions which do not suit all. get the toothpaste inside the tube. “It’s a problem of sheer numbers - “Female engineers are still in the until there are more women working minority, but what has changed is in S fields, then it wont seem our approach to this; we are working normal to have women around.” hard to change the perception of engineering, ‘lift the lid’ on what engineering really is and what you can do as an engineer. “To drive creativity and innovation, we need divergent thinkers. We should embrace all forms of diversity. Approximately 35 per cent of entrepreneurs are dyslexic RAV BUMBRA and so without neurodiversity in Founder of Structur3dpeople, a tech the workplace, the world would recruiter and diversity specialist be a very different place. Rav hung up her consultancy MONIKA RADCLYFFE “The advice I would give is: be boots after a 20-year career Director of SETsquared Bristol the best version of yourself, don’t in the tech industry to launch “SETsquared Bristol is proud change yourself to fit the role. Structur3dpeople. She is to support 13 female founders passionate about improving in our cohort of 83 companies diversity and gender representation - this accounts for 15 per cent, in her chosen sector. which is the UK average of female “We are seeing more exciting representation in the tech sector. and dynamic startups making “However, it’s worth highlighting Bristol their home, having an that five out of of the founders impact on the city’s ability to have got PhDs in science and incubate and accelerate new engineering - a much higher ideas from concept to reality. proportion than among male “My advice would be: just go for it! founders, highlighting the fact There has never been a better time that women often feel they ZOE BANKS GROSS to be a woman in tech, there are so need to prove themselves.” Community engagement manager many opportunities and so much at Knowle West Media Centre support available to help women *See www.bristol247.com for the At the root of Zoe’s varied succeed to the highest level.” full length version of this feature

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 19 sponsored by

SECTOR SPOTLIGHT B Corps

As social and environmental values become a growing priority for business, could Bristol become the B Corp beacon of the UK?

Tim Westwell (left) with some of the Pukka Herbs team

Ethics haven’t always been top “B Corp accreditation provided us fall into line with these values. priority for big business, but times with a really helpful framework Indeed, 84 per cent of consumers are changing and for a growing to articulate and formalise our globally say they seek out number of Bristol companies, purpose and to make sure that responsible products whenever they come front and centre. it was embedded in a practical possible, according to findings from Worn as a badge of pride by a way across the whole business. the 2015 Cone Communications/ select few, the city’s B Corporation “It has bought many advantages. Ebiquity Global CSR Study, which cohort is part of a little-known elite It encourages us to communicate also revealed that 62 per cent will club with a difference – one that openly and proactively on what switch brands if one works with is bound by a commitment to use we stand for as a business, it has good causes and the other doesnt. business as a force for good. attracted like-minded clients and Commenting on the difference n official terms, certified partners, and it has been motivating the B Corp badge has made to his Corp’ companies are those “that and rewarding for our team. business, Nick Davies, founder of meet the highest standards of “Bristol is a place where eighbourly, says he internal, verified social and environmental businesses with purpose and a cultural and community benefits performance, public transparency strong sense of values flourish. I of B Corp accreditation are and legal accountability to think Bristol could become a B Corp obvious. What I hadn’t appreciated balance profit and purpose. beacon for the rest of the world. was the benefits that come with The accreditation scheme The positive impact of a pledge wearing the B Corp badge. that started in the US in 2008 to operate for people, planet “The badge immediately and launched in the UK in 2015 and profit is evident, but it is sets the tone at any new has become a global movement also a savvy business move as introduction or meeting. seeking to redefine success in consumer trends increasingly “It communicates what you business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. And Bristol could become a B Corp beacon for the rest of the world, according to Anna Guyer, the founder of Greenhouse PR and one of a small but growing collective of accredited businesses in the city. On why she chose to put her company through the gruelling Jaya Chakrabarti, TISCreport certification process, nna says Kate Sandle, B Corp UK

20 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 FEATURE

stand for and sets out possibilities B CORP FACTS: before a word is spoken.” • Globally, there Neighbourly is an ‘all-in-one’ are 2,655 B Corps, giving social media platform that from more than connects charities, businesses and 65 countries and communities. Set up in 2015, the 131 industries. Lower Castle Street-based company • 86 per cent of was driven by a desire to ‘do good’. companies say “Bristol is a more socially aware, their businesses sustainable and activist city than have benefitted most, and the collective ambition Greenhouse PR team as a result of their to lead from the front comes as B Corp badge. no surprise,” adds Nick. “The local aspect of our business, from our Tim adds: “Conscious • 47 per cent of B network is important – B Corps are relationship with our employees consumerism is on the increase Corp companies extremely proactive when it comes and suppliers to how we impact and for good reason.” said candidates to looking out for each other.” our local and wider community, Triodos Bank, which has its were attracted Jaya Chakrabarti MBE, as well as the environment,” says HQ on Deanery Road in Bristol to the business founder and CEO of TISCreport, managing director Sam Hearn. city centre, became the first because of the agrees, saying “you don’t have Like any emerging global pan-European bank to achieve certification. to be a charity to do good”. movement, B Corp has its critics. certification as a orp in 05. “B Corp is all about transparency In his book Winners Take All: The “As a business founded on *Source: B Corps UK and as an open data social Elite Charade of Changing the World, principles of sustainability, it enterprise, we wanted to set Anand Giridharadas comments was an obvious step for us to an example from the start.” on internal contradictions of join the community,” says Bevis There are currently 175 B relying on commerce to drive Watts, Triodos Bank UK managing Corps in the UK – seven in social change and suggests it’s director. “For us, the B Corps Bristol – and Kate Sandle, head of not all it’s cracked up to be. represent a growing movement of community of B Lab UK says the It is also a rigorous – and successful, sustainable companies B Corps community in Britain is potentially costly – process using business as a force for representative of the UK economy, to get certified, which might good and positive change.” with businesses of all sizes, from explain why relatively few The full Bristol cohort of B startups to small and medium businesses are signed up. Corps also includes Carbon enterprises and multinationals. But B Corp advocates in Gold, producers of biochar- “This growing movement Bristol argue that business and based products, and Resource demonstrates business, the most positive social and environmental Futures, a sustainable resource powerful force on the planet, can can go hand in hand. management company. be a force for good,” adds Kate. “Being a member of B Corp These elite ethical club Omnifarious Group, a small cements our ongoing commitment members of course aren’t the only business based on Cumberland to using business as a force for companies in Bristol that operate Road, that produces meaningful good,” explains Tim Westwell, in a sustainable manner and drive video, online and creative co-founder of Pukka Herbs. positive social change – for many content, signed up to the B He says the most significant this is at the heart of all they do. orp certification as a way of change is to the company’s legal B Corp champions predict rapid formalising a commitment to articles of association, as all B growth in the numbers choosing ethical and sustainable work. Corps pledge to adopt a change in to cement these practices with “The impact assessment B Lab their governing documents, which a legally binding stamp. have produced is extensive and legally requires them to treat the Growing proof that business is encouraged us to look at every interests of all stakeholders equally. and can be a force for good.

Nick Davies, Neighbourly Anna Guyer, Greenhouse PR Bevis Watts, Triodos Bank

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 21 sponsored by Peel back the layers within Paintworks The colour on Bristol’s self-proclaimed creative quarter is showing no signs of fading

Behind red brick buildings and behind the pioneering venture. use does work and that you can glass-panelled doors, some riginally dating back to 50, create a community spirit. ften of ristols finest creative and hoeni harf, as it was then though, house builders put other innovative minds work their known, was a paint and varnish priorities ahead of this so dont try. magic within aintworks. factory built by paintmakers Some of the first live and work he colourful cubes and pointed olthurst and Harding that epanded units in the country were built at rooftops of the thriving comple over the years, before being taken aintworks and work to epand this are now a familiar site to all who over by outaulds and eventually offering is in full flow. erve teamed travel down ath oad and it is falling into decline as manufacturing up with rest icholson to deliver an area that is constantly evolving. was centralised elsewhere. this latest phase of development and hat started as an ambitious plan he sprawling premises a stroll down one street hints at the to regenerate a longneglected area changed hands several times as a creatives who already call it home. is now recognised as a significant general trading estate and stood heavy load of music euipment contributor to the citys creative empty for 5 years, before erve and speakers fill one space, other business offering, hosting the likes roperties snapped it up in 00, units are more minimalist - and one of the artin arr oundation. with a vision for what it could is bursting with floral displays. ts a fastepanding site in what become. ork began in 00. Here, achel Husband of was once deemed an unfashionable escribing the ambition behind he ose Shed is neckdeep waterside location, but the people the site, shley icholson of erve in scented bouuets. who make it what it is are a force roperties says ts a genuine he florist moved to aintworks to be reckoned with and fully attempt to try and prove mied about two years ago.

The early days

Paintworks entrance New phase

22 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 FEATURE Peel back the layers within Paintworks

Rachel Husband of The Rose Shed Rob Hankey of Barefoot Architects Lisa Riddoch of Mum Does Design

“The main thing that attracted great, but he believes more could the box and that is reflected in me to Paintworks was the work be made of the shared spaces. the calibre of businesses here.” space,” Rachel explains. “It’s “It’s slightly less connected to Bocabar has been serving the perfect for my business. Everyone’s other bits of the city being here,” Paintworks community since really friendly and it feels like a he says. e shared an office the very beginning in 2005. really exciting, new community.” in Stokes Croft so in a way the Co-owner Melissa Eavis says the One of the neighbouring business vibe is similar, there is a sense of cafe and bar was busy from day owners, Lisa Riddoch, has taken full community in both locations. one. “Both the local community and advantage of the creative community he benefit of being here is businesses created the Paintworks’ at Paintworks and has set up a having the courtyard space for scene and vibe and, to be honest, networking group for people to trade lunches and like-minded companies Bocabar is pretty much the same advice and ideas, and offer support. so close. The downside is that today as when we started.” She lives here with her two everyone is busy doing their own The launch of Convoy Espresso Everyone young children and runs her thing, so there is slightly less in April this year has been another tends to think affordable interiors business, interaction than we expected – welcome addition to the Paintworks outside the Mum Does Design, from the unit. we expected more collaboration community and is already the go-to box and that “We lived in Brislington before and chances to get together.” spot for many a business meeting. is reﬂected and I saw that Paintworks was doing The small team behind Bristol24/7 “We’d been working in one of in calibre of a residential development,” says has been based at Paintworks the office units at aintworks businesses Lisa. “I was thinking of a career since the launch of the community for a couple of years, and really here change, so it was good timing. interest company in 2014. missed speciality coffee,” “The work, life balance is “We love it,” says Managing explains Josh Stott, co-founder much easier here. One thing I Director Ben Wright. “It’s nice to of Convoy Espresso. was missing in the old house be on the river and there’s a good Paintworks is unique in both its was a creative community and atmosphere of creative activity layout and position. It is a contained have definitely found that here around the site. There’s lots of area with narrow entrances, and and it’s been fantastic.” interesting, creative businesses consequently it has a wonderful SCL (Society for Computers here and people always seem ‘village’ feel, even though it’s and Law), an educational charity to love coming to our office. right at the heart of Bristol. offering training and resources Bristol24/7 also hosted its “We have suppliers who are to the technology law sector, is inaugural Autumn Feast in based here, Pedro Creative, a another relative newcomer. The Paintworks Event Space in graphic designer based here team consists of chief executive November 2017, a culmination did our branding, and if you sit Caroline Gould, communications of a series of workshops where down for a coffee you’ll see manager Maddie Southorn and young people learnt to cook pieces of work from a couple of finance and membership accounts under the guidance of some the businesses based on-site. manager Sarah Forster. of the city’s top chefs, and its “For us, the development of Maddie says that while some Better Bristol consultation residential units has been exciting business parks can feel isolated event in September 2018. from a business perspective, and depressing as they tend to be Bristol24/7’s sister company and also because it increasingly based on the outskirts of the city, ildfire omms, a mied media puts Paintworks on the map Paintworks is a great space to publishing firm, was one of the in Bristol. We’re doing our bit work, with good transport links. earliest inhabitants of Paintworks. to help Paintworks become Barefoot Architects relocated Craig Daykin, commercial director an exciting place to visit.” to Paintworks when the company of ildfire, describes the area As Bristol flourishes, outgrew its previous premises in as “a beautiful and eclectic mix Paintworks is more than holding Stokes Croft. Co-director Rob Hankey of creative individuals”, adding: its own and the colour is says the creative community is “Everyone tends to think outside showing no signs of fading.

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 23 ARTICLE sponsored by Bristol named UK’s most productive tech cluster

A diverse talent pool, coupled with investment, is fast-tracking the city to global dominance

2018 was the year that saw Bristol top the charts for its booming tech sector. Ranked as the most productive tech cluster in the UK, with the highest digital tech turnover per employee at £320,000 in 2017, industry insiders have credited a “game-changing” flood of investment for fast- tracking the city’s growth. Bristol continues to make waves on the global stage, reaching the top ten ‘super clusters’ for technology – alongside the likes of Zurich, Thames Valley and Prague – according to recent research by real estate advisor CBRE. ‘Bristol is one of the most exciting tech clusters in the country’ Meanwhile, the Tech Nation 2018 report revealed that new digital tech insiders have spoken out about the and inclusion scheme dedicated businesses in the city grew by 283 need to urgently redress the existing to widening the talent pool. per cent between 2006 and 2016. dominance of white men in tech Develop Me, a tech career Turnover in the sector went up companies and widen the talent pool accelerator based at Paintworks, by 1.6 per cent between 2014 and by providing opportunities for all. provides commercially-focussed 2017, to reach £7.9 billion, and Women’s Tech Hub, an courses to enable people to launch the number of jobs it provides in organisation that works to or enhance their careers in tech. the city reached 24,754 in 2017. support and encourage women Oli Ward, technical director MB Christie, chief operating and gender non-conforming and Develop Me co-founder, officer at ech ation, says ristol people to think afresh about tech, says ve eperienced first is “one of the most exciting tech seeks to highlight the gender hand how acutely difficult it is clusters in the country right now”. imbalance, encourage more girls to find uality individuals to hire “There is a fantastic talent pool and women into the industry and to address the technical talent here, fed by the universities of Bristol help provide the skills they need. needs of a growing company. and Bath, as well as the engineering “It’s about disseminating “It’s an issue that everyone heritage in the area. It’s exciting to information and giving women who is talking about across the see Bristol’s startups pushing ahead are tech curious a central place region, and so we decided to in semi-conductor technology and to come and find out about jobs try to do something about it. in quantum computing,” she says. in the area, the tech scene and “Talent is equally distributed, but Tom Morris, managing director where to get support,” explains opportunity is not - so integral to at CBRE Bristol, agrees the co-founder Serrie Chapman. our social business model is the strong higher education sector Improving representation is creation of our ‘Opportunity Fund’ and vibrant urban environment an issue the forward-thinking and our partnership with EdAid have made Bristol a “magnet for companies are working hard on enabling us to design opportunities young development talent”. in the city, with schemes such as and provide access to training for But, as one of the city’s fastest- SetSquared Bristol’s black, Asian people who are underrepresented MB Christie of Tech Nation growing sectors, several industry and minority ethnic diversity in the tech industry.”

24 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 sponsored by ARTICLE

Balfour Beatty at work on the latest phase of Wapping Wharf’s development Jon Craig Jon

In addition to a decline in Combined Authority (WECA). Tackling the the number of skilled workers Announcing the plans in June, entering the construction industry, professor Steve West, chair of construction companies are losing experienced the West of England LEP, said: older drivers – as new standards “Construction is a vital contributor skills shortage come into play, many don’t want to our economy and we must to go through the exam process to ensure that we have a strong ‘Challenges call for The construction industry faces get their certificates up to date. and steady pipeline of talent a strong, integrated a chronic skills shortage that is “With demand for drivers rising for construction businesses. response at all levels’ threatening future development and older generations retiring, “My hope is that whilst training of essential infrastructure, we need more skilled workers, for today, we innovate and re-think warn sector leaders. and yet the industry is failing construction for the future.” While efforts are being made in to attract enough people,” says Bristol City Council has also Bristol to attract a new generation Moreton Cullimore, managing invested through projects such of workers, industry bosses say director of The Cullimore Group, as On Site Bristol, which since they are frustrated by the lack of which operates throughout the 2014, has supported 344 small action nationally and fear that Brexit South West and Midlands. and medium enterprises to access will exacerbate the situation. ccording to figures provided by more than £500,000 of funding to “The skills shortage in the the company, the UK is currently hire apprentices in the construction construction industry is well-known facing a shortage of truck drivers, and building services industries. and documented, with projections with the number of vacancies Smith welcomes the promotion showing that we will need to recruit sitting at around 50,000. of careers in construction to young and train nearly 100,000 additional Cullimore says that with so people and says Balfour Beatty skilled workers by the end of the many uncertainties surrounding actively plays its part through its decade,” says Dave Smith, regional Brexit – particularly whether or Learn Live programme, in which managing director for Balfour not EU nationals will retain their employees virtually ‘meet’ graduates Beatty, the company currently permits to work in the country – the to talk through opportunities via working on the latest phase of haulage industry could also lose a live interactive broadcast. regeneration at Wapping Wharf. the 43,000 EU drivers currently in But he argues the industry “Challenges, including uncertainty employment with British companies. must also become more strategic around access to skilled labour from Local government in the region in meeting this challenge. the EU following Brexit and the need is pouring funds into the problem “We must do more to invest in to respond to increasing digitisation and a new £6m skills centre is set to innovation and techniques that will and automation, call for a strong, open at the City of Bristol College in structurally reduce our reliance on integrated response at all levels. 2021, with provision to train around such a large workforce,” says Smith. “Despite this vast industry skills 50 people over the first three years. “Modernising and digitising requirement and the continued This training facility will be our workforce and the way we investment in major infrastructure funded by the West of England deliver projects is key to upskilling, schemes, little progress has Local Enterprise Partnership attracting and retaining the array been made to increase the flow (LEP) and will be administered of talent the sector requires of people into the sector.” by the West of England to keep Britain moving.”

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 25 sponsored by

Existing and future developments around Castle Park are changing the landscape of the area

SECTOR SPOTLIGHT architecture Is it time for Bristol to stop playing it safe when it comes to urban design and think bolder?

Mayor Marvin Rees described tall and with limited availability of city asetti H architects believe buildings as “aspirational” in talks centre sites, Bristol could discover there is a lack of ambition in about his future vision for Bristol. a new dimension for growth with a ristols modern architecture, It is a view that architect Yuli vision that integrates tall buildings. with planning departments Cadney-Toh agrees with, arguing “Tall buildings are a viable usually opting to play it safe. that a bold approach is needed alternative to building beyond the “One of our biggest challenges to meet ever-growing demand, city limits into green belt land at the moment is the complexity address the severe housing and can save and invigorate our of getting things built; there now crisis and create a sustainable vibrant Bristol character. Going seem to be so many bureaucratic city for generations to come. up or outwards is our choice. obstacles to development that However, the calls to think big “No-one is advocating the the process can lead the design, and build upwards have been met return of identikit tower-blocks of rather than the design leading with outrage in some quarters, low grade homes which the ‘60s the process,” says Federica. as residents fear Bristol could be and ‘70s gave rise to. Building at avid ellor was director of turned into a “high rise hell”. height and density now delivers lec rench rchitects for From the Clifton Suspension economies of scale that can 30 years, becoming a consultant Bridge to converted shipping help free up open space and to the firm in 0. He set up he containers, there is no doubt that increase vitality and diversity.” Architecture Centre on Bristol pioneering designs continue to rime locations are being harbourside in , largely in a bid make their mark in the city, but could pinpointed by developers across to address what he felt was a lack of Harry Mitchell architects afford to think bolder? the city, with work already good quality architecture in the city. It is a key question within underway on the Redcliff Quarter “I hope that has contributed a sector that needs to seek regeneration and plans for homes to better public debate on good increasingly innovative solutions around St hilips arsh and the architecture and helped raise against a backdrop of economic old ambulance station site on the the aspirations of architects shifts, Government whims, edge of astle ark, which will host and clients, says avid. changes in regulations and ristols tallest tower rising up “I believe that AFA has contributed divided public opinion. to 26 storeys over the park to one some good examples, such as Yuli, an architect-director at multi- side and ld arket to the other. the Aardman HQ, work on and disciplinary firm s ristol studio, Federica Vasetti and Elke around the SS Great Britain and Yuli Cadney-Toh says: “Constrained by its boundaries ittrich of ittrich Hudson eanery oad, but, as a successful

26 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 FEATURE

city, we need far more.” Bristolians to do, rather than wait within the sector – particularly FACTS: Commenting on the sector, to have things done for them”. for those keen to take an • Bristol City Council he adds: “Architecture is highly At the forefront of modern design innovative approach and make has pledged dependent on the economy. in the city stand examples such residents part of the process. to build 2,000 Building projects are costly as Aerospace Bristol in Filton. Harry Mitchell works as a new homes a and clients need certainty Una Breathnach-Hifearnain, of freelance architectural designer year by 2020. before making investments. Purcell, won a national award for for Tangent Studio, run by • Architecture “There are always pressures her work on the project. She says Sally Daniels, who also tutors directly against good design insufficient that developments in technology part time at UWE Bristol. contributes time and fees, and to some extent, and increased requirements for Their passion is in facilitating £4.8billion to budgets, but good architects work building information modelling group design-and-make the UK economy hard to mitigate these. At our best, is redefining the industry and workshops, community every year. we are creative problem-solvers meaning architects must involvement in the design process, • The UK is a who strive to maintain our vision constantly update knowledge. and using reclaimed, sustainable world centre of better buildings and places.” Commenting on the landscape and environmentally-friendly of architectural Government funding cuts, in Bristol, Una says: “New urban building techniques and materials. education with increased bureaucracy and developments, such as Finzels Reflecting on changing times nearly 50 schools. uncertainty over Brexit are all taking Reach, are commanding new within the sector, Harry says: their toll on the sector, but for a districts within the city, while also “It seems that the industry is number of architects, this opens acting as vital links between the growing, with new interdisciplinary up new opportunities to explore harbourside, the centre and beyond, design practices emerging. innovative new ways of doing things. to the Temple Meads enterprise “This is probably due, in part, to Craig White, of White Design, and education quarter, which will, in the growth of communities actively specialises in sustainable time, act as a gateway to the city. involved in local projects and designs and says that in his “As an architect, the main needing support from practices 25-year career, he is proudest thing which is missing in Bristol like us. Plus, of course, the of his current work: enabling seems to be elements of astronomical rise in house prices. communities to develop their own ‘statement architecture’ which “We regularly work with solutions to the housing crisis. are evident in other large cities a handful of local builders He says that community- in the UK and in Europe. and specialist trades, as we led housing is on the rise amid “There is real opportunity for find that working together on ever-increasing house prices. the reuse and extension of historic projects from conception really “We used to talk about fabric to invigorate old buildings helps the design process, with something called the property within the community with new detailing and cost planning ladder,” says Craig. “However, uses and to find a sustainable ironed out at the early stages. a ladder without any rungs is future for the city’s buildings. This “In the last few years, the useless for the young and for is a really exciting prospect for an demand for sustainable building those on low and intermediate architect who is passionate about materials has gone up. Where wages trying to buy a home.” weaving the old with the new.” previously specifications would Some of Bristol’s best urban Regeneration of once rundown be cost-engineered away from design, according to Craig, is parts of the city comes with sustainable construction methods, in civic spaces and “subversive its own set of issues and now clients are keener to spend parts of the city”, such as Stokes concerns that gentrification that bit extra on sustainable, Úna Breathnach- Croft, which he says “speak to can push communities out. environmentally friendly and Hifearnáin an ambition and willingness for But it also presents opportunities healthier materials.”

Property from Fed + Elke Fed + Elke

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 27 sponsored by transportSECTOR SPOTLIGHT Inconvenient, congested and costly: getting around Bristol is rarely a joy, but is the city heading in the right direction or the road to nowhere?

Bristol is capable of packing an impressive punch on the global stage, recognised for its many attributes that catch the eye of investors, visitors and newcomers. But this thriving city has an acute transport problem that is holding it back: watch the lights change for a third time while you sit in traffic, attempt to navigate your way around treacherous pavements on foot, or battle the roads by Solving Bristol’s transport problems is one of the city’s biggest challenges bike a few times and it doesn’t take long for the shine to fade. such ambitious schemes might approach to new developments. This Campaigner Seth Piper starkly be funded is yet to be confirmed. could include park and rides, rapid outlined the scale of the situation James Durie, chief executive of and mass transit and active travel. in a recent article for Bristol24/7, Business West says that getting But is there an appetite for where he called for bolder Bristol moving is a major priority major infrastructure upheaval? action from the city’s leaders for the business community. There can be few who have to address a growing crisis. “We are internationally recognised forgotten the building of the Arguably, the ambition is there as one of the most liveable controversial Metrobus scheme, to drastically shake things up, with cities, a growth hot spot with a which met with months of plans on the table for a multi-billion strong, dynamic economy and an delays and caused traffic chaos pound Bristol underground, as well increasing population,” he said. throughout the city centre that as the introduction of a congestion “This is set to continue, but took its toll on businesses. zone, parking levies and expansion certainly requires a transportation, ith the first two routes now up of the rail and cycle networks. access and movement system and running, transport bosses say Bristol24/7 understands that that is able to support it.” it is already exceeding expectations there have even been high-level He says an increase in the in terms of passenger numbers. talks between City Hall and a number of new, greener modes They also claim Metrobus company willing to build a cable of transport available in the city has a significant role to play car system in Bristol. But how is encouraging, but will require a in reducing the number of significant shift in behaviour to cars on the road by improving reduce the over-reliance on cars. transport links across the city. A draft transport strategy for Not to be left behind, Network Bristol that went out to consultation Rail bosses also promise that in September 2018 is designed to Bristol is seeing unprecedented act as a linchpin that feeds into the investment in the railway. wider regional document for the A spokesperson for the company est of ngland, as well as specific said: “From next year, passengers plans for different modes of travel. will see improved journey times Former Bristol City Council to London, further increasing cabinet member for transport Mhairi capacity and improving services.” Threlfall, who resigned in October Improvements to the rail network and handed the portfolio over to include Network Rail’s biggest mayor Marvin Rees, said the aim ever re-signalling project and Major upgrades are taking place at Bristol Temple Meads is to establish a transport first doubling the number of railway

28 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 FEATURE

lines between Temple Meads and obvious, convenient and safest FACTS: Filton Abbey Wood to enable an means of getting around the • Bristol City increase in trains from 2019. city, and says it is vital to go Council’s goal There will also be upgrades to beyond fi lling in the missing links is to reduce the Bristol Parkway, as well as 14 new to consider whether existing number of people ticket gates due to be in operation infrastructure is fi t for purpose. using cars in the soon at two new entrances to “Walking and cycling are city centre from 53 Temple Meads, which is also set to increasingly popular, but there are per cent to 43 per get a £40m roof refurbishment. still large parts of the city where cent by 2036, just While transport bosses are keen there is little or no infrastructure to Bristol Ferry Boats to maintain traffic to peddle a positive message, enable people to make safe, healthy at its current level. campaigners say far more transport choices,” continues Usher. Sunday, they also run the cross- • Road traffic drastic action is needed to make “For this to change, we harbour ferry from the Harbour is one of the sustainable modes of transport need to be honest that we Inlet to the SS Great Britain. largest sources the obvious way to get around. all need to drive less.” The distinctive blue and of Bristol’s “We are currently facing a There is one tried and tested yellow Bristol Ferry Boats now carbon dioxide public health crisis, with over 300 means of getting around the city cover 17 landing stages, to a emissions (25 people dying prematurely as a that avoids roads altogether. published timetable, between per cent). result of poor air quality in Bristol,” The tranquil waterways are a far Temple Meads and Hotwells. • Bristol Ferry says Jon Usher of Sustrans. cry from their hectic, smogfi lled, Co-owner Philippa Bungard said: Boats carry more “We need to see quick actions tarmac counterparts and a viable “It is proven that spending time on than 120,000 to reduce the number of vehicles means of transportation for many and around the water is good for passengers on our roads and to enable more that is perhaps still underutilised. health and wellbeing. As well as per year. walking, cycling and public Number 7 Boats operate at being traffi cfree, our waterway is transport journeys to be made.” weekends and school holidays, beautiful at any time of the year, He argues that alternatives providing a service from Hotwells so lets make the most of this to driving must become the to Temple Meads. From Monday to very special transport option.”

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BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 29 UWE Bristol

The University of the West of universities in the UK for student with business in a myriad of England (UWE Bristol) has a satisfaction, with a record 89 ways and strives to expand its global and inclusive outlook, per cent of ristol final year connection to industry and the with approximately 30,000 students satisfied with their course wider community, an ethos students, strong industry overall, and has recently been reflected in its 2020 strategy. networks and connections awarded the highest possible rating UWE Bristol’s wide range with over 7,000 employers. in the Teaching Excellence and of innovation and business Research at UWE Bristol focuses Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) growth services mean we are on real world problems and the 2018, achieving GOLD Standard. perfectly positioned to give university plays a pivotal role in the companies and organisations a regional economy. With over £300 UWE BRISTOL IN BRISTOL competitive advantage. Working million invested in infrastructure, Strong foundations in the regional with businesses, we deliver buildings and facilities across economy have been central to the successful solutions with sector- all campuses, UWE Bristol is success of UWE Bristol. Developing specific epertise, innovative creating a place for learning close links with business and the thinking and research. that is innovative, ambitious, public sector has enabled us to Projects can run for just a few connected, enabling and inclusive. develop collaborative relationships days, to months or years. We offer UWE Bristol is in the top 10 and have a positive impact on incubation and enterprise support, economic growth and improved consultancy services, access to productivity in the region. specialist facilities, grant funding Every year, UWE Bristol and professional development. contributes £400 million to the local “Connecting and working with economy, and every year more than businesses is an essential part of 50 per cent of our graduates remain what we do at UWE Bristol,” says in the region to work where the professor Martin Boddy, pro vice- economy is buoyant and the demand chancellor, research and business for talented graduates is high. engagement. “We aim to set up as many opportunities as possible UWE BRISTOL AND BUSINESS for businesses to work with the UWE Bristol places great emphasis university, whether it’s by giving on its role as a business partner them access to funding, opening up to companies in the Bristol region, an opportunity for them to work in as well as nationally. As well as our incubator spaces, or providing providing work-ready graduates business support and setting up and interns, the university works knowledge exchange on a project.”

30 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 BUSINESS PROFILE BETTER BUSINESS FOUNDING MEMBERS Jon Craig Jon Wapping Wharf

Wapping Wharf, a buzzing new a real dockside character, but it’s that responsibility very seriously. harbourside neighbourhood also home to the 200 or so residents “We are passionate about creating right in the heart of Bristol, has who live in the neighbourhood. a real mix of types of high quality quickly become a much-loved And it won’t be long before housing, from private rent to private part of the city and is widely this community expands, as over sale to shared ownership and acknowledged as one of its 320 new apartments are in the affordable homes, whilst supporting most exciting new quarters. pipeline with work underway on independent businesses who are Reflecting the independent, around 250 of these, many of the backbone of the economy, and creative spirit for which Bristol which will be launched to market bringing to life this historic part has become famous, this for sale in spring next year. of the dockside for people across thriving dockside community A new pedestrian entrance to the city to come and enjoy.” has become a major attraction the neighbourhood will be created Working with international for locals and tourists alike. too, using the early 19th Century, infrastructure company Balfour Wapping Wharf is well-known Grade II listed Gaol Gate and Beatty, developers, Wapping for its an incredible array of Gaol wall structures, reflecting Wharf Living, a joint venture independent restaurants, cafes and the rich heritage of the area. between Umberslade and Muse shops, as well as CARGO, which There’s also innovative new Developments, is forging ahead houses many of these in converted workspace in the pipeline, known with the £43 million construction shipping containers, giving the area as CARGO Work, which will use works on phase two of Wapping the shipping container concept Wharf after securing support to create uniue offices within from Homes England. this vibrant community. Most of the 256 one, two and Stuart Hatton, director at three-bedroom apartments will be Umberslade, one of the developers offered for sale on the open market, behind Wapping Wharf, said: with 93 being sold to Sovereign “We felt there was a real synergy Housing for private rent and shared between Bristol24/7’s Better Bristol ownership housing. On top of this, campaign and our ethos at Wapping an additional 81 affordable homes Wharf, as it’s really important to will be created as part of this new us that we’ve creating a place that stage in the development. makes a positive impact to the wider city. Wapping Wharf is an important Prospective buyers can part of the jigsaw in the regeneration register their interest at of the harbourside area and we take wappingwharfliving.co.uk.

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 31 Access Creative College

Now in its 26th academic year, out of its renowned rehearsal and Access Creative College (ACC) studio facility in Hengrove, used by is the UK’s leading games, music the likes of Portishead and Roni Size. and media college, serving The college started life as Access more than 2,000 learners to Music, before rebranding in 2017 across seven UK campuses. with a mission statement to develop ACC has been educating young the next generation of creatives creatives in Bristol since 1992 through innovative, practical, where, up until now, it’s been based employment-led training. Operating as England’s largest private training the-art facilities, across two floors, provider, ACC now offers courses with potential for future expansion. in games, media, music and events, Phase One of the development with plans for further diversification. will include a virtual reality suite, ACC is investing heavily to green screen studio and a multitude broaden its offering to enable more of games and media labs. young people in the Bristol area ACC has joined Better to enter the creative industries. Business to forge a greater 2019 will mark the next phase of level of collaboration and to ACC’s evolution in the region - the further bolster its partnerships college is building a new 12,000 with local organisations and square foot ccampus in the city businesses, to offer a wealth of centre, which will open its doors new creative talent and to give in spring. Situated just around the its students the best possible corner from Broadmead, students opportunities and preparation will benefit from brand new stateof for entering the workplace.

Badminton School

Badminton is a thriving day and opportunities to grow, develop a mix of creative, cultural and boarding school which has remained and express themselves in an educational activities and events. at the forefront of girls’ education in enormous range of activities. Bristol is a unique city that is as the UK for well over 160 years. It is The school itself has an enviable cultural and creative as it is historic a characteristic of Badminton girls sense of community which is felt the and Badminton School shares that they are thoughtful individuals, moment you step through the gates this uniqueness. At Badminton, able to evaluate information into the private, secure campus staff believe in creating and and decide for themselves. where girls have the space and time nurturing strong partnerships with This approach extends beyond to grow, develop and discover who local, national and international their studies and into the day- they are and who they want to be, at organisations, not only to expand to-day life of the school, where their own pace. The mixture of old the school’s offering and the girls are given a wide range of and new buildings gives the school opportunities available to girls, a strong sense of its history whilst but also to extend Badminton’s remaining modern and functional. place in the Bristol community Badminton girls regularly perform and beyond. The community science outreach demonstrations outreach programme is growing in events such as WOMAD, Big year on year and the school Bang Festival, FESTOMANE and wants to continue to reach out many more. The school’s sports by supporting this initiative. partnership provision enables students to access a broad variety Tel no: +44 (0)117 905 5200 of activities at club level and beyond. mail address schooloffice@ Badminton School also has a badmintonschool.co.uk special relationship with St Monica’s Website: https://www. Trust, to which it offers members badmintonschool.co.uk/

32 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 BUSINESS PROFILE BETTER BUSINESS FOUNDING MEMBERS

Bia

Biffa is a UK leading integrated hospitality. Biffa’s 80 collection Whether you’re a small business waste management company depots and transfer stations across or a large corporation, Biffa has got providing collection, recycling, the UK handle general waste, glass, it covered when it comes to your treatment, disposal and dry mixed recyclables, food waste Bristol waste management needs. technologically-driven energy and other segregated recyclables. From general waste collection generation services across The company offers nationwide on a regular basis, through to four operating divisions. coverage, covering over 95 specialist one-off services, you can It is the UK’s number one per cent of UK postcodes with rely on your local depot to provide industrial and commercial waste the Biffa fleet and the small efficient, professional support. collection service provider, covering remainder are covered by a closely The wide range of waste a vast range of business sectors, managed supply chain function. and recycling services cover including manufacturing, retail and The division operates under all commercial waste streams. a regional business model, Biffa also offers emergency allowing the focus to be placed unplanned waste removal on the customers and businesses and bespoke solutions. in each region, featuring The Bristol depot covers: Bristol and the South West. • Bristol The Biffa Bristol operation • Bath provides professional, expert • and surrounding areas. waste services on a local level. Accompanied by a friendly For more information about how local team, Biffa Bristol are on Biffa can help your business, hand to deal with simple and please contact Carl Abbott: complex waste requirements [email protected] for businesses just like yours. 07703 473927

BOX E

BOX-E is proof that on the menu in a small businesses are never too love letter to fellow local small to make a difference. businesses, who are Formed of just two shipping also driving a change containers, this tiny 18-seat in food consumption Wapping Wharf restaurant puts and waste reduction. local and seasonal produce at the Owners Tessa and fore in a mission to work towards Elliott Lidstone knew a more sustainable food network. before they opened their restaurant giving chef demonstrations and Bristol producers feature heavily that they wanted to mentor young providing food for events. budding chefs; giving them the Since opening, the restaurant has opportunity to break into an donated approaching £4,000 in a often-tough industry with a well- combination of money and vouchers documented skills shortage. to local charities and organisations. In the two years that BOX-E BOX-E was a founding venue for has been open, they have taken BellyLaughs, which raises money on two apprentices the first for Julian House homeless shelter, having graduated to a full time and has provided ongoing support job at Harvey Nichols Second for the Grand Appeal, Action Floor Restaurant), as well as three Against Hunger and StreetSmart. work experience students. BOX-E is excited to join Better They were early supporters Bristol with the knowledge that of Bristol24/7’s young chef there is a real appetite in our city programme, helping achieve to do things differently and, in the funding to make it happen, turn, to make a difference.

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 33 Bristol & Bath Regional Capital

Bristol & Bath Regional Capital using these fi nancial tools for BBRC’s core vision is to channel (BBRC) is a community-minded the benefi t of the region. investment into four key areas investment company based in and The CIC also works with like- in the West of England: local dedicated to improving communities minded investors to offer them housing and affordable homes, in the West of England. Its mission investment opportunities in local improvements in the local is to encourage local communities, communities that provide both a infrastructure and community companies and investors to work fi nancial and social return. So far, services, the local low carbon together and drive improvements they have raised close to £30m economy, and local enterprise in the social, environmental and of new investment into our region and employment development. economic environment in the region. through bespoke investment The company believes that BBRC offers expert advice to offers and community funds. encouraging investment in these local projects and enterprises that BBRC investors have ranged from areas drives wider improvements are looking to generate a socially individuals, institutions, trusts, in local areas and communities, responsible return through their foundations and ethical banks. benefi tting everyone. business activities. The team uses a collaborative approach and understanding of the local area to support organisations in accessing loans and other fi nance at competitive rates. BBRC also assists impact organisations with the steps involved in applying for investment. As a community interest company BBRC worked with the South Bristol Sports Centre to increase (CIC), BBRC is committed to capacity, promoting healthy activity to the local community.

Bristol Beer Factory

Bristol Beer Factory was founded Like so many Bristol businesses, in 2004 at the very beginning of Bristol Beer Factory’s founders and the craft beer revolution we have staff are fi ercely proud of our city seen in this country over the past and the unique character that makes 05 years. Since this time, the it such a wonderful place to live and business has grown into one of work. Wherever possible, they work the largest independent breweries with other local suppliers, both in in Bristol, producing beers which the brewing side of the business and are enjoyed all around the city and increasingly in Bristol Beer Factory’s the surrounding countryside. pub estate, stocking local produce and championing small, independent companies that have helped to make this city famous for the food and drink enjoyed every day. will hopefully enable will allow With such a proud connection to the team to make a greater Bristol, joining Better Bristol was a impact than they can alone. no-brainer for the team. To have the “I think we sometimes feel opportunity to meet and potentially like problems are too great to work with like-minded people to solve alone, or simply don’t help improve the city further was know what people need and too good a chance to miss. therefore how we can help in Whilst Bristol Beer Factory making things happen. And on a has always tried to support local purely selfi sh point, the rewards charities and good causes, the offering are a great incentive to connections that this forum be able to offer our staff.”

34 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 BUSINESS PROFILE BETTER BUSINESS FOUNDING MEMBERS

Bristol Pound

The Bristol Pound is delighted launched in 2012, it is the largest links between its members. to be a founding member local currency in the UK, and the You might wonder why a currency of Better Business. only one which can be used to pay is a good way of achieving Bristol The Bristol Pound (£B) is council tax and business rates. Pound’s aims. Through the Bristol’s local currency. First It comes in both paper and currency, money spent in £B is electronic forms, including a tied to Bristol, instead of leaking phone app which has a map of away to distant head offices and businesses accepting £B and shareholders, because those provides a convenient way to pay. £Bs will be re-spent with other The Bristol Pound might sound local business members. like it’s all about money, but actually The Bristol Pound is entering it is more about creating a resilient into a new phase of development, and sustainable independent with plans to reach across all parts business sector in Bristol, and of the city and grow transactions in turn, enabling a fairer and in the currency by a factor of more inclusive local economy. ten within the net five years. o Put another way, It is about achieve that, the organisation is building relationships both between recruiting Community Champions independent businesses, and as ambassadors for the currency between local businesses and in their local neighbourhood, and the communities they serve. So, signing up Business Champions the Bristol Pound is very much as leading lights in the business aligned to Better Business. It just community, explaining how the achieves its goals by using currency Bristol Pound can be fully integrated as a tool to foster economic into every local business.

Bristol Waste Company

Bristol Waste is your local recycling, waste collection and street cleansing company. They believe waste is a valuable resource and strive to transform the way it’s perceived. By working with residents and communities, team members aim to minimise or prevent the amount of waste we all generate, and encourage everyone to recycle more, throw away less and waste nothing. Bristol Waste also runs both of the city’s household waste recycling centres and a commercial waste service, offering local to make sure that what waste the ‘waste nothing’ approach is better businesses tailored, cost effective they do generate isn’t wasted. for our wellbeing, our pockets, the recycling and waste solutions. To show their commitment to environment and our city as a whole. Making the city a better place is making Bristol a cleaner, greener Owned by Bristol City Council, part of the company’s ethos. place to live, Bristol Waste has a but run as a separate company, ven its profits go back in dedicated community engagement Bristol Waste is part of the fabric of to the city, as does the power team that works with communities the city, and is delighted to support generated from food waste. That to educate residents on reuse and the Better Business initiative to is why Bristol Waste will work recycling and problem solve issues. promote the long-term sustainability with businesses across the city The team aims to demonstrate that of Bristol and all who live here.

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 35 Budvar Budweiser Budvar UK is the UK subsidiary of world-renowned Czech lager brewery, Budweiser udvar. ounded in 5 in esk udjovice or udweis to use its former German name) in Southern Bohemia in the Czech Republic, Budvar is one of Europe’s last state-owned breweries. Being owned by the Czech people rather than a corporation, Budvar believes in only using local ingredients to brew its beer and is fi ercely proud of its hometown, having fought and won numerous legal cases with the American brand Budweiser for the use of the trademark udweiser. Budweiser Budvar believes thinking local and supporting supporting its adopted hometown a Budweiser beer can only be your home town extend to the UK as its Czech parent is the town brewed in udweis esk business and, in 2015, Budweiser of esk udjovice itself. udjovice and has an Budvar UK chose Bristol as the Team members are particularly protected Geographical home for its UK operations. interested in how they can support Indicator for its beer, similar to Although only a team of 16 Bristol’s independent night-time Parma ham or Champagne. in the UK, Budweiser Budvar industry and young people within The values of independence, UK is equally committed to the hospitality industry.

Clifton College

Clifton College is a day and boarding school for pupils aged two to 18. The college offers a tailored, all-round education with diverse co-curricular activities, ecellent pastoral care and fi rst class facilities. The college’s ethos encourages participation and engagement throughout the school from nursery upwards. businessmen to serve the city, a range of community events, Alongside high academic welcoming day pupils on an as well as college activities. standards, pupils excel in art, music, equal basis to boarders in the late Clifton College aims to connect sport and drama. Recent graduates 1800s. This connection with the the world of learning to the world have gone on to study music at city has remained an important around us and encourages pupils Oxford and aspect of college life ever since. to access all that the city has to Cambridge, Clifton College is proud to be offer, from performing at Bristol’s perform in an active part of this thriving city music and theatre venues to Twelfth Night and enjoy close links with a range getting involved with community at the Globe of other Bristol businesses, such projects or taking part in the Theatre, and as neighbours Bristol Zoo and citys annual events. y working win gold at the the city’s two universities. Clifton with other Bristol businesses, Olympics. also has facilities, such as the we are all stronger together. The college 100 acre sports complex, sports was founded centre, event space, chapel and Tel no: 0117 315 7000 by Bristol the Redgrave Theatre, that host Website: www.cliftoncollege.com

36 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 BUSINESS PROFILE BETTER BUSINESS FOUNDING MEMBERS

Colston Hall (Bristol Music Trust)

Colston Hall is Bristol’s premier music venue, presenting concerts by major names in rock, pop, jazz, folk, world and classical music, as well as local choirs, orchestras and schools for the last 150 years. Run by the charity Bristol Music Trust, in 2018 the Hall closed its doors to its 1951 auditorium and Lantern venue and began work on the largest capital arts programme ever to take place in the South West - the £48.8m project to transform the Hall into a 21st Century venue. The transformation of the Hall is vital in supporting the cultural future of Bristol, and Bristol Music Trust is committed to building the world-class music venue that the truly welcoming and inclusive of all. through the brilliance of live music. city and the South West deserve. Alongside a programme of artistic With the Better Bristol initiative, When the Hall reopens, it will excellence, the Hall is home to the the Colston Hall team hopes to be with a new name, ending the city’s award-winning music hub. make new connections that will association with the slave-trader Through incredible education and help achieve its vision and support Edward Colston and beginning a new performance programmes the Hall’s others in their efforts to make chapter in the Hall’s history that is vision is to promote unity and joy Bristol a better city for everyone.

Develop Me

Develop Me is a tech career Develop Me also offers part-time based at Paintworks and continues accelerator that provides courses and develops bespoke to offer more programmes to commercially-focussed courses training to upskill company teams, support learners’ tech careers and to enable people to launch, or as well as offering an ongoing range develop businesses digital skills. enhance their careers in tech. of one-day digital skills workshops. Al Kennedy Director adds: “We The core learning programme is Develop Me was founded by believe very strongly that nobody the Coding Fellowship, a 12-week Bristol-based technical director should get ‘left behind’ in this new full-time web developer bootcamp. Oli Ward, and digital recruiter economy and we fully support Pete New, with a focus on Bristol24/7’s ‘Better Bristol’ initiative ensuring that people have access to help build a progressive network to up-to-date digital training, in the city to foster positive social delivered by industry experts to change - with technology and advance their careers in tech. digital skills education playing a Oli Ward co-founder explains: key role in this transformation. “As the head of a technical alent is eually distributed but department, I’ve experienced opportunity is not - so integral to firsthand how acutely difficult it our social business model is the is to find uality individuals to hire creation of our ‘Opportunity Fund’ to address the technical talent and our partnership with EdAid needs of a growing company. enabling us to design opportunities “It’s an issue that everyone and provide access to training for is talking about across the people who are underrepresented region, and so we decided to in the tech industry.” try to do something about it.” The Develop Me team is now https://developme.training/

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 37 E.L.M LEGAL SERVICES LTD

Bristol-based Wills & Probate numerous industry bodies. rust and ristol oo. he team company E.L.M (Legal Services) With over a decade of experience often take part in fundraising Ltd offer a comprehensive range in the field, .. is one of the top activities for local causes and of estate planning services Will Writers in the country and was consistently use their media to clients throughout the UK recently nominated in the 2018 influence to promote awareness and is proudly associated with British Wills & Probate Awards for of the hardworking charities the ‘Best Will Writer in the South’. we have here in the region. s a familyrun business, .. As keen supporters of the understand that the priority for this blossoming Q community area of law is to provide clients here in ristol, .. also works with peace of mind and help them to raise awareness and provide protect and provide for those advice on the importance of they love. Priding themselves on same-sex couples making wills. maintaining core family values, s a local company, ..s whilst providing a wide range of team was keen to get involved easily accessible products and with the Bristol Better Business services to their clients, the .. initiative as they think it is vital team always puts clients first, that businesses work together to no matter what their situation. support each other and promote Being known for taking corporate best practice throughout the social responsibility very seriously, region which, in turn, will benefit E.L.M endeavours to use its social the community as a whole. presence to support and promote a variety of local charities; including www.elm-online.co.uk the ristol , he innamon Tel: 0800 019 4557

Farmdrop

Farmdrop is a new type of online supermarket, selling great tasting and healthy food from sustainable suppliers, and on fair terms. ts mission is to fi the food chain, using technology to recreate a food system thats better for customers, farmers, the animals and the planet. Bristol has always had a really exciting food scene. With its close links to some of the UK’s best farming regions and creative outlook on life, ristol is blessed with a Farmdrop launched the Bristol fantastic quality and range of food. ood usk in anuary, raising And it’s this local energy that has thousands of pounds to help put Bristol right at the forefront of combat homelessness. the sustainability movement that’s hats why were so ecited happening in the UK right now. to be a founding member of Farmdrop says: “we’ve always Better Bristol. Because it’s only been obsessed with making things when people and business work better, and we know were not alone together that you can make the – there are so many thoughtful and type of big systemic change that committed people here who want to is sometimes required.” make this city better for everyone. “We were blown away by Email: [email protected] the support we received when Website: www.farmdrop.com

38 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 BUSINESS PROFILE BETTER BUSINESS FOUNDING MEMBERS

Hayes Parsons Insurance Brokers

Hayes Parsons Insurance Brokers is Hayes arsons is a broker an independent, chartered insurance designed solely around the needs broker based in central Bristol. Being of its clients and ensuring that one of the largest independent staff have the right tools to hand; brokers in the South est, the fi rm the company is determinedly insures a number of wellknown independent and happy to be companies throughout ristol, set apart from competitors. as well as many of the smaller Hayes arsons has been based businesses and organisations in ristol for over 50 years and that keep the city running. strongly believes in being an active and dynamic part of the local community. he team has a keen interest in supporting young talent in ristol and through their award winning apprenticeship scheme, simple solution Hayes arsons is have provided apprenticeship pleased to be working with such an opportunities to at least two active, dynamic charity and working people every year since 0. towards creating a etter ristol for s well as this, Hayes arsons those affected by homelessness. has worked with a number of Hayes arsons is ecited to be a organisations and charities in the founding member of etter ristol past and is currently supporting and believes that by combining Caring in Bristol as its chosen forces with businesses, its possible charity of the year. Homelessness to enact real change and help is a big issue in ristol, but with no create a better city for everyone. huggg

‘Changing the face of messaging you want to thank them. y using and improving human interactions huggg, you can now send them a for good huggg is a platform coffee, cake or croissant emoji, which enables humans to send real which means you just paid for things to one another, in messages. them to walk net door and pick up So, imagine your friend is having the real thing. ts like a message, a bad day and you want to cheer sprinkled with a touch of magic. them up, or your colleague aced an important presentation and Meet the founder: aul ickers used to fund big stuff for big banks, now he builds tech Why huggg decided to stuff for small phones in ristol. support Better Bristol? n 05, after spending over a s a small startup with a big decade in leveraged fi nance, aul mission, we understand the set off on an adventure to replace importance of collaboration. words and pictures in messages ligning ourselves with an initiative with real life coffee, cocktails in our hometown that encourages and cake. Ever since, he has been positive change and opportunity committed to changing the face made absolute sense. ere of messaging and improving ecited to be a part of this. human interactions for good. aul oin the movement and hopes to put hugggs (real product) send messages that mean into all messaging, everywhere, more huggguk in a bid to spread kindness and ownload for iS and generosity around the globe. iessage or ndroid today

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 39 Matthew Clark

Matthew Clark is a drinks supplier with a difference. Their 200 years of history supplying the trade gives them the expertise that licensees, landlords and managers demand. For Matthew Clark it’s more than just moving boxes, it’s helping their customers grow. Founded in 1810 by Matthew Clark, as a wine and spirit broking lines, including wines from Clark takes its responsibility to the business, six generations of the small, family owned wineries environment and the communities family were involved in the company and top consumer-requested in which it works very seriously, up until the 1990’s. Today, Matthew spirit and beer brands. having a dedicated team who are Clark manages, in-house, the UK’s What sets Matthew Clark responsible for safety and impact most extensive global supply apart is the support they make on the environment. Matthew Clark chain for the On-Trade by some available for customers, to aid believes that working ethically, distance, managing the shipping them move more drinks across safely and in an environmentally of almost 25 million cases of the bar. From product and staff conscious way makes a tangible product a year. This gives them the training, designing drinks menus, difference to customers, staff ability to make outlet deliveries, to tips on how to layout a bar to and the community. on a next day basis, from their maimise profits, they share their own depot network with unrivalled knowledge and experience with Tel: 0344 8223910 quality, availability, and price. customers across the region Website: www.matthewclark.co.uk Matthew Clark has built a limitless and beyond - if they’d like it. E-mail: enquiries@ range. In total they list over 7000 Based in Whitchurch, Matthew matthewclark.co.uk

Newman Langley Financial Consulting Ltd

access to commercial The company also offers the funding, risk mitigation, benefit of a single relationship, tax planning and meeting all clients’ differing wealth management financial needs, whether they advice to personal and are a working professional commercial clients looking to grow, manage, protect throughout the UK. With or preserve their wealth or a particular expertise business owner/director looking in the use of Small to ensure they have the right plans Self-Administered in place for their company. Schemes (SSAS) Newman Langley takes a long- and Self Invested term view, developing strong client Personal Pensions relationships over time. Often (SIPP’s) in concert this involves intergenerational with strategic business engagement with the client’s family, planning, the team which is seen as key to building a Newman Langley Financial aligns the director’s needs with sustainable and robust business. Consulting Ltd is a dynamic and those of the businesses’. The company wanted to get commercially-minded regulated Newman Langley focuses on involved with Better Business to financial practice, based in the offering an expert service of develop a stronger bond with local creative quarter of south Bristol. The distinct quality, integrity that is Bristol businesses, who share a company has a growing local team bespoke to the clients’ personal collective and common desire to that isn’t made up of your usual and commercial needs. Staff pride improve Bristol as a city and create starchy financial planning types. themselves on problem-solving with opportunities for underprivileged This Bristol business provides efficient and innovative solutions. and marginalised communities.

40 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 BUSINESS PROFILE BETTER BUSINESS FOUNDING MEMBERS

O2 Academy Bristol

Bristol is known for its vibrant and eclectic music scene and O2 Academy Bristol has been bringing quality live shows from the new acts and classic artists to the city, as well as nights from the biggest club brands, since the venue opened in 2001. The venue is part of the Academy Music Group (AMG) estate, which operates 19 venues nationwide, and owned O2 Academy aims to offer advice. It can also provide relative by international entertainment customers the best possible input in discussions where certain company Live Nation. experience when they come to see matters of interest may arise with Being one of the largest music their favourite artists perform here. other licence premises, promoters venues in the South West, it has Whether it’s; purchasing tickets, and gig-goers, as well as those over 50 employees, self-employed booking disabled access, awareness affairs regarding Bristol as a whole. and sub-contracted workers, from of special offers or the visual and For those members involved bar staff and security to technical acoustic production of the venue, with the Better Bristol campaign, engineers and venue management. the team strives to deliver to the O2 Academy will offer - when O2 Academy can often be a great highest possible standard it can. and where possible - tickets to stepping-stone for those wanting Being part of Better Bristol, the O2 some of the wide range gigs here, to launch their career in the Academy team hopes to help and in return for just a £5 donation music industry, as well as those share its wealth of experience and per ticket to the venue’s chosen already well established in it. knowledge to those seeking such charity, Teenage Cancer Trust.

Ocean If you are selling or buying, letting or renting a home in Bristol - or doing just about anything else property- related – Ocean is here to help. Ocean has been selling homes across Bristol since 1983, and the team know every street, road, drive, lane, terrace, avenue and alley- way in this wonderful city. With ten neighbourhood offices, the estate agents provide a complete home-move service based on a level of local knowledge that only comes with long experience. rom ceans first office on Gloucester Road, the company has grown quite a lot, but stayed you are looking for - from the best communities are our communities, true to its roots. The team is possible buyer for your family home, it’s where we live and where still dedicated to providing the a brand new apartment or a made- we work, and we’d like to help same personal service they tomeasure mortgage youll find make it even better – especially always have, and are still truly it faster, and with fewer headaches for those who need a little bit local and proudly independent. and hiccups, when you have Ocean’s more help than others.” Ocean knows what’s happening brilliant people on your side. in the property market not just day- Why be part of ‘Better business, 0117 946 6007 by-day, but practically minute-by- Bristol? Ocean says: “Quite [email protected] minute. Which means that whatever simply, Bristol is our city, and its www.oceanhome.co.uk

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 41 Paintworks Event Space

Paintworks Event Space is an stamped itself fi rmly onto ristol exciting, blank canvas venue in and South West’s cultural map. the heart of Paintworks, Bristol’s As host to a huge array of both unique creative quarter. The venue’s public and private events, the impressive scale and industrial event space fulfi ls a broad cultural fabric make it the perfect setting for and social remit, from school business and personal events alike. and college events to private The venue has evolved swiftly company product launches, parties but organically over the past and wedding celebrations. twelve years into an eclectic and Paintworks Event Space’s dynamic destination, which has success is due partly to the design of the building, its proportions and scale and its position between two lovely outdoor courtyards within the context of the Paintworks creative buzz, but also to the venue’s adaptable and unscripted nature. It’s not an exclusive art, performance, conference or Paintworks Event Space to join wedding venue, but has the Bristol24/7’s Better Business flexibility to cater for all of initiative as it fi ts perfectly with these without prejudice, which the values of the business. For means it adapts to fulfi l ristols team members – as with so many artistic and cultural needs. other Bristol companies - the It really was a no-brainer for city is close to their heart.

Plaster

Plaster is a communication agency based in Bristol, working with internationally-acclaimed businesses. You may know the company works as the marketing team for the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta or The Downs Festival, or seen Plaster’s media work for Colston Hall and renowned, widely-acclaimed and If you look at Plaster’s Instagram Encounters Film Festival, but this international event, which puts though, you might get a taste for team has always had promoting Bristol on the map year-on-year. another side to this very Bristolian Bristol right at its very heart. This year, the Plaster team was business. With teams flying all When Upfest was still only 100 responsible for helping to open the over the globe to work on Plaster’s artists and a hidden gem within reinvented Avon Gorge Hotel, which very successful tech and events the city, the Plaster team worked has grown in reputation to be one of divisions, clients range from LG with Steve and Emma to create a the most exciting openings of 2018. Electronics to Serious Stages (think Bristol24/7 has worked with the Glasto Stages) and Playpass, an Plaster on a number of projects. As RFID business that is revolutionising a founding member of the Better the festival scene with cashless Business initiative, Plaster is keen payments. You may get lost when to encourage Bristol businesses they start talking about fi ne piel to work together to solve some pitch display technology, but hey - of the city’s social problems, they just had their toilet sprayed by promote its amazing talent pool The Hass like a Berlin bar latrine, and showcase its event scene. so they are the ones to watch.

42 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 BUSINESS PROFILE BETTER BUSINESS FOUNDING MEMBERS

Ralph

Ralph helps organisations that are bursting with passion and purpose create the best versions of themselves. The team does this by delivering strategic, creative and digital services which empower clients with the right tools to deliver effective, measurable impact. Put simply, the team at Ralph build brands, create campaigns and deliver digital for an amazing tribe of clients. Whether building a new website or buying tea for the studio (at Boxworks, Temple Meads), staff always ask - how they can make it better? They are passionate about what they do, but equally important is how they do it; can they make it better app), Steak of the Art (independent to collaborate with like-minded for the environment, better for their restaurant chain), Emmaus Bristol businesses and to be part of community, better for their clients? (homelessness charity), Echo something special. They have Ralph’s clients share similar values. Research (corporate reputation worked hard over the last decade Amongst others, the team work management) and Resonance to earn their place in the Bristol with; Bristol Cathedral, The Travel (social impact investment). business community and they Foundation (sustainable tourism Being part of Better Bristol gives are ready to play their part in charity), Earthmiles (well-being the Ralph team an opportunity giving something back.

Realise Product Design

More than a design agency, more and Pythagoras’ theorem. Realise is Bristol through and than an engineering consultancy, They are an organisation of highly through. Located in the Temple Realise is a Bristol product design skilled and talented individuals; Studios Creative Hub, staff fuse agency that gives business each with a distinct personality creative imagination with practical leaders the tools needed to foster and design engineering skill set. engineering to deliver products measurable change in their fi eld By applying their knowledge in with passion and integrity: and ultimately: to realise an idea. conjunction with their clients’, products that incite emotion and Realise prides itself on a straight- they work side-by-side with actually work within this present talking, no nonsense, no hidden internal teams to fi nd outofthe contemporary environment of fast- costs, honest and open approach, box solutions to some seriously paced, endless transformation. with a core focus on delivery. No challenging technical problems. They Realise Design. big curtain reveals, no unexpected surprises, just a strong, collaborative design process that gets results. The team are not the polo neck wearing ‘felt-tip fairy’ industrial-designer stereotype; sketching impossible geometry and curves that will only ever exist in the mind of a ‘creative’. Nor are they the white collared, striped tie engineers that only see in isometric, black, white and grey, with a rigid thought process of stress-load calculations

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 43 Redington

Redington are change-makers, ob and awid started the company, on a mission to make 100 million edington has grown into a major people financially secure. player in the industry. t is the he edington team help large s fourth largest consultant in companies, pension funds and terms of assets under consulting longterm savings institutions in the c.0bn and has grown to a make sense of their investments team of almost 50 people. he through consultancy and fintech. companys revenue continues to n the years since cofounders grow 0 per cent year on year. hy ristol ell, edington needed a location that has a 0. per cent and is striving great tech scene, is socially and towards gender parity every year. environmentally and minded, and n 0, edington launched has a community that cares about edS ducate, a financial a better future for everyone. education charity. ts on a mission edington has some of the to education million children by brightest stars in the responsible 05, because edingtons team investments world and also signed are passionate about helping future the rinciples for esponsible generations handle money. nvesting in ay 05 this code has underpinned its decision Contact: making process ever since. [email protected] n addition, edington has one [email protected] of the fairest gender paygaps in 020 3540 5844 the investment consulting industry www.redington.co.uk

Resonance Ltd

Resonance is a pioneering social impact investment company, which connects capital with social enterprise, something it has been doing since 00. here are two parts to the business the first is managing and creating social impact investment funds, the other is advising social enterprises on how they can raise investment to make an even greater impact. esonance is a national company, with an office based in central ristol, and launched the first ever regional Social nvestment a elief S und in ristol in 0. his und has raised almost m from a range of individual investors, ristol Sports Street mpact ristol eing part of etter usiness based both in and outside of the city, and he earpit, and is on the ristol was a natural etension to investors who want to help make lookout for more investors and even supporting the work that esonance ristols social enterprises more more social enterprises to invest in. already does in the city, helping successful, and more impactful. he successful launch of the individuals, businesses and social he fund has invested in eight ristol und has led to esonance enterprises work together to social enterprises so far, including developing a second fund with the make ristol an even better place ristol raille echnology South focus on the est idlands region. in which to live and work.

44 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 BUSINESS PROFILE BETTER BUSINESS FOUNDING MEMBERS

Simply Laundry Ltd

Luke Steele is the managing director of Simply-Laundry. He formed this company in 2016, determined to create his own successful business in his home town of Bristol. Not only this, he wanted to ensure that he operated in a way which didn’t harm the environment as much as he could manage. From running the business in Filwood Green Business Park (the West of England’s most environmentally friendly commercial building), to route planning to After an initial period for the eco-friendly business operations. ensure maimum effi ciency and company to settle and fi nd its Simply-Laundry is also keen decreased CO2 emissions. feet, it has recently gone from to continue to offer charitable The main service offered is strength to strength, and is services to local good causes and laundry, linen hire and cleaning to soon to be expanding across charities. Last winter, the team commercial customers of a wide the UK in the coming months. offered free laundry services to variety. From large hotels and Luke Steele was keen to join a local homeless shelter. venues, to salons & restaurants, Better Bristol as he is very proud the Simply-Laundry team to have lived here all his life and is www.simply-laundry.co.uk provides an all-inclusive service extremely keen to help improve it in 0117 4032316 to ensure a top level of quality. any way he can, on top of his current [email protected]

Six

Bristol is a famously creative Six wants to support the voice of city with a fi ercely independent change and help drive awareness mindset, qualities that resonate of the Better Bristol initiative, strongly with the brand values at promoting all things good about the Six. An independent creative agency city. It’s important that businesses that’s been based in Clifton for large and small get the support nearly 25 years, Six offers strategy, they need to turn up the volume on creativity, project management a range of topics - from transport and technology under one roof. and education to homelessness – and a truly collaborative approach will help achieve this. With diverse creative skills and At Six, freedom rules - enabling each valuable industry links, Six helps of the team to ask “how can I make businesses succeed through an impact every single day?”. strategic insight and challenging “We keep it exciting for clients, creativity. Their clients trust we keep it compelling for them to be a strong business their customers, we keep it partner that embraces change, focused on results.” learns fast, bringing integrity, imagination and meaning to Six, The Old Chapel, complex business challenges. akfi eld oad Some of these clients include Bristol, BS8 2AP BP Castrol, Lloyds Bank, University of the West England, BCA, SunLife, W: six.agency/ Motability and Schwartz. Social: @SixAgencyUK

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 45 Sparck

Sparck is the digital design consultancy of BJSS. The team works with forward-thinking organisations to design new business models and stand out digital customer and employee experiences. The company’s unique selling While working on client projects, ways of thinking, and acting, that point is that it delivers outcomes staff strive to play an active role in change the lives of people in Bristol. to clients through the combination the Bristol business community; Sparck says: “We don’t have a set of great design and the application running design lunch & learns, plan, but feel inspired by the Better of the latest technology. Sparck meet-ups and unique, curated Business initiative and the emphasis designers and strategists work events on topics such as the impact on social impact through business seamlessly with technologists of AI and ethical consumerism. and community working together. at BJSS to create compelling They also support nationwide “We do bring a passion for solving experiences that are grounded initiatives, such as Turing Lab, real human problems and the in the art of the possible. which uses creative computing creative application of technology Sparck deploys human- to teach kids to code, and for social good. We look forward to centred design and design- Digital Her to encourage young working with the Better Business thinking methodologies, working women into technology. community and the people of at pace to rapidly prototype As a founding member of Better Bristol to make a real impact.” and innovate at scale. Business Bristol, Sparck wishes Sparck is growing across the to expand its social impact, http://sparck.io/ UK, launching its Digital Hub in collaborating with a diverse range +44 117 379 0340 Bristol last year on Victoria Street. of organisations to develop new [email protected]

Steele Financial Ltd

Managing partner Ben Steele has lived in Bristol all his life. He trained as a chartered accountant at a young age and has now worked in practice for almost 12 years. After managing other accountancy firms for many years, he decided to form his own firm in 0, and ever since, Steele Financial Ltd has gone from strength to strength. he firm offers traditional tech in the modern age. They are also involved in outreach accountancy services you would They also offer a one-stop-shop activities in their community, expect to a massive variety of ‘Virtual FD’ service, providing giving young students fresh from business sizes and industries, growing companies with their very school or college the chance to from small self-employed to own affordable virtual finance train from scratch in a lifelong multi-million-pound companies. department, including bookkeeping, accountancy career, without the However, they are so supplier payments, payroll and need to go to university. They much more than that! wages payments, credit control, also attend workshops with local Specialising in cloud accountancy forecasting and reporting. secondary schools to talk to (Xero, QuickBooks Online etc) Steele Financial were keen to join students about career advice. and fintech, they help businesses the Better Bristol movement for enter the 21st century in terms several reasons. Overall, they love Tel: 0117 440 6439 of business and accounting their city and loved the opportunity mail [email protected] processes, making use of available to be a part of making it better. www.steelefinancial.co.uk

46 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 BUSINESS PROFILE BETTER BUSINESS FOUNDING MEMBERS

Team Love

Team Love is a Bristol-based company specialising in festival and event production with the experience, knowledge, skills and expertise that can only be gained from years of involvement in an extensive range of high profile festivals and events. Proudly independent, team members operate four large- scale festival events of their own across the UK and Croatia: Love

Saves The Day, The Downs, Love business for its attendees. International and Simple Things Not only that, but the team - all with the ethos of always trying brought Massive Attack back to the to do things differently and for city in 2016, brought Arcadia’s spider the best possible outcomes. to Queens Square, produced See No Consistently running a number Evil nearly 10 years ago and has big of social initiatives, fundraising plans for the future in the city. ased and awareness campaigns across in Bristol and with a strong drive all of their events, the clue is in to benefit ristol, becoming part the name to an extent, but it’s of the Better Business association not all hearts and flowers. eam was a no brainer, plus Ben brought Love creates some serious party the team cake to seal the deal.

Thali

A household name in Bristol, the comes to authenticity, making sure importance of growing sustainably,” Thali Restaurant and its flavoursome every experience reflects everyday says coowner epe ntonio lanco. Thali curries have won awards from ndia. long with halis neighbours, e want to see that, not only he bserver and adio . Sweet Mart in Easton, they are an for our business, but for Bristol as Inspired by the heart and soul of incredible example of the diversity a whole. ur team is eclectic and India, the restaurant showcases of our city and the successful only by embracing the diversity the hero dishes of the subcontinent businesses that have been created this city is renowned for, offering from the back streets of Bombay, by families from all over the world. equal opportunities to all and to the beach shacks of oa. The team jumped at the chance recognising the bravery of each Thali opened in 2001, effectively to join the founding members of new idea can we truly say that we as one of the first ever popups, etter ristol. e understand the are building a etter ristol. before popups were even a trend. Situated in Montpelier in a shop that functioned as a gift store by day, traditional Indian food was served in the form of just two thalis. ts this history and the ethical code inspired by the Indian mantra ‘jugaad’ (do more with less), that makes the business feel intrinsically linked to Bristol and the opportunities the city offered when it first opened. Head chefs Ramesh and Asha, and recipe developer Prasad, are always the final check when it

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 47 Triodos Bank

Triodos Bank is a sustainable bank, “Here in the city, we have which means it uses the power supported the likes of Southville of fi nance to support projects Community Centre, the Soil and organisations that are good Association, Bristol Energy for people and the planet. The Cooperative, Better Food, the Trinity company is proud to call Bristol Centre, St George’s and many more. home and to be a founding “This is all part of our member of Better Bristol. commitment to only work with credentials during Bristol Open Bevis Watts, Triodos managing companies that create social, oors. vent space is available to director, says e are ecited to join environmental and cultural value.” hire in the lower ground floor of this group in taking steps towards Triodos is totally transparent, the building at a subsidised rate making the city the best that it publishing the details of every to local charities and likeminded can be. he specialist fi nance we loan it makes on their website. businesses, with all proceeds going provide is already helping to make So, any customer with one of to Triodos’ charitable foundation. a real difference across Bristol. Triodos’ ethical online saving and The bank also has a investment options really knows ‘Changemakers’ volunteering where their money is going. programme, through which it The bank opened its UK head has donated hundreds of staff offi ce in ristol in 5 and now hours to support local charities, resides in one of the city’s greenest such as Avon Wildlife Trust and offi ce spaces on eanery oad near 5 ndependent eople. ollege reen. n 0 they launched their fi rst personal current account. [email protected] Each year, the public is invited to 0330 3550355 explore the building’s environmental www.triodos.co.uk

Tusko

business and brands connect with talented and hardworking team, audiences through compelling so they do everything in house. storytelling, maximised by data- Jake Smith, CEO of Tusko, driven digital marketing strategies. said: “We love this city and think Tusko believes that sharing good it’s an amazing place to live and ideas is essential, so focuses on work. We are proud to be a part distribution through understanding of the founding membership where and how audiences interact group for Better Bristol.” with content online and on mobile. Over the last two years, Tusko The award-winning producers has been video partners with have many years experience working ristol and has worked on on projects and campaigns that some great campaigns to connect bring millions of eyes to their clients’ with many parts of Bristol. This has work, as well as their original series. included the oices series, These have included the oung hefs rogram, as documentaries on North Korea, well as a 30-minute documentary the American prison system, about the LGBTQ+ community Tusko. Film. Video. Social. social media campaigns on the entitled ‘Talking LGBT+’. igital arketing. mpact. tattoo industry or innovative The Tusko team gets involved Tusko loves telling great stories new technology and helping with charity events in the city with style that have an impact for its charities communicate their and is committed to amplifying clients, partners and the wider world. message in an engaging way. voices through engaging and The team specialises in Tusko was founded in Bristol effective storytelling. creating content that reaches a by two best friends, who are lot of people. The business helps now joined by a wonderfully www.tusko.co.uk

48 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 BUSINESS PROFILE BETTER BUSINESS FOUNDING MEMBERS

thriving owes much to Watershed’s Watershed many supporters, the people who love what it does and have created Watershed is proud to be a the Watershed community. founding member of Better Watershed acts as both a hub usiness. s the leading film and an anchor for the city’s creative culture centre in the South West, economy raising ristols profile,

it advances education, skills, tfarrow developing connections and appreciation and understanding creating opportunities to share the of the arts with a focus on film, audiences and participation at city’s strengths with the world. media and digital technologies. their heart, Watershed’s team Watershed team members act as Watershed develops cultural produce original ideas and mentors to creative organisations engagement, imagination and curate a diverse programme across the city, and advocate for talent - in the belief that the of talent development, cinema their needs on forums, from LEP route to better futures is open, exhibition, events and festivals. to the Business Improvement disruptive and co-produced. With Watershed and the Pervasive District. They invest resources Media Studio (research to strengthen individual players space occupy the first floor in the ecology and the whole. of a historic Grade II-listed Watershed’s open approach building at the entranceway and accessible venue ensure to Bristol’s Harbourside. people from all backgrounds feel Watershed opened in 1982 and welcome. By providing the space declared itself to be ‘Britain’s First and opportunity for different Media Centre’, seeking to capture worlds to meet, Watershed plays and contextualise the shift in media an active role in strengthening the when satellite TV and Channel 4 aspiration and the connections were starting up. It’s not always of the local ecology and helping been easy, but the fact that it is still to make Bristol a better place.

Whalecake Social

Whalecake Social, a social media agency based on the river in Trinity Quay, is made up of a vibrant bunch of people, with a vibrant name to match. Their name meaning ‘big & tasty’ evokes the quality and fresh creative-thinking behind their work; it’s the foundation of their approach. Wes Hosie, Co-Founder Kate Kelly, Co-Founder Whalecake Social is building a reputation within the health and of #BetterBristol following and drink scene in Bristol. wellness sectors as a social media its #MakingBristolOriginal Wes Hosie, the initial founder agency that not only brings the social impact campaign, of Whalecake Social was born personality of a brand to life through which recently launched in in Bristol and has largely lived social, but has proven itself as a conjunction with Bristol24/7. across Somerset. After being viable marketing solution to drive The campaign falls into what the accepted into a Bristol-based brand and tangible business results. team calls Whalecake Originals, startup accelerator 18 months Whether you’re looking to a collection of the company’s ago, Wes and the team are actively disrupt a space, create a deep- own works. he first series of the looking to further lay roots into thinking strategy, bolster a project #MakingBristolOriginal campaign the Bristol environment to bring with addictive creative or drive is all about giving indie brands value to those in the community. sales revenue, Whalecake Social of the food and drink scene a 2019 will see Whalecake Social should be on your shortlist. bigger voice - celebrating and work much closer with Bristol24/7 Whalecake Social naturally championing those making a on a number of exciting projects became a founding member difference to the vibrant food which will do just this.

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 49 Wildfire

Wildfire is a company making waves in the publishing sector. Challenging norms within digital to showcase content across a variety of platforms, while championing its print-based roots, offering clients an informed, multi-dimensional solution to modern needs. ildfire specialises in producing digital and print content for the education and property sectors, including well-known Bristol magazine, Bristol Property Live. Never one to shy away from a challenge however, ildfire encouraged a family dynamic in fun. ildfire care about their people also offers bespoke design the office one which they are very and they care about Bristol. The services on a contract basis. proud of. A sense of community Better Bristol initiative is one that Since the company began in is supported, something which aligns with what ildfire stands for. 2009, founders Dougal and Mary is extended to the wider Bristol The team is excited to be able have been the driving force behind area through ongoing charity to support and help develop the business, ensuring it goes work to support the chosen such a fantastic new project. from strength to strength making a beneficiary each year and name for itself within the industry regular food bank donations. www.wildfirecomms.co.uk and in their home city of Bristol. The company values are those of [email protected] From the start, they have integrity, passion, collaboration and 0117 300 5526

Workbrands

The team at Workbrands lives and with purpose’ guides all their initiative and look forward to breathes creativity – effecting thinking and is applied to working on future projects with meaningful and measurable building inspirational brands and the wider Better Bristol team. change for their clients. innovative campaigns for clients The agency’s mantra ‘creativity across a number of sectors. The Workbrands offering: A creative agency with over 15 Brand development years of experience, the agency has • Brand strategy recently moved to new studios at • Insight & analysis Paintworks and is enjoying being • Naming a part of Bristol’s creative hub. • Visual identity Workbrands collaborates closely • Tone of voice with a number of partners to provide • Brand books the best solutions for their clients. • Guidelines & toolkits It’s this ethos of working together for a collective good that motivated Brand application them to join the #BetterBristol • Communications & campaigns movement. Bringing Bristol together, • Digital design & build giving everybody a voice and • Motion graphics ultimately working with each other • Print & packaging to shape this wonderful, unique city is an initiative Workbrands workbrands.co.uk is incredibly proud to support. [email protected] To date, they’ve been involved in creating the branding and marketing materials for the

50 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 BUSINESS PROFILE BETTER BUSINESS FOUNDING MEMBERS

YTKO Group

YTKO Group is a successful, private YTKO Group is based in the sector business working across centre of Bristol but staff spend the the UK and abroad, and with strong majority of their time completing roots in Bristol and the West of outreach projects with a wide range England. It brings over 30 years of individuals and businesses. private and public sector expertise Most importantly, supporting in supporting new entrepreneurs disadvantaged communities across and established businesses the city, to give them a voice and marketing and fi nance eperts from a wide range of sectors. opportunity for enterprise and skill and practical events. Sustaining and scaling a development. YTKO has supported This free support has been business is a challenging journey. refugee groups, young adults, accessed by over 1,000 individuals Through YTKO’s range of services, single parents, carers and more. and businesses in Bristol and spanning start-up, scale-up, and YTKO Group has two ERDF- the West of England, and YTKO fi nance, it provides professional, funded projects in Bristol Group is committed to supporting proactive and results-driven support with the Enterprising West developing Better Business for companies seeking expansion. of England consortium: and Bristol as a whole. This level of support is as - Outset offers start-up support necessary as ever in a changing to budding entrepreneurs GETSET FOR GROWTH - and developing Bristol. YTKO Group through a range of one-to-ones www.getsetforgrowth. works alongside the inclusive with enterprise advisors and com/west-of-england/ growth strategy of Bristol City various workshop sessions. Council to enable all the people - GetSet for Growth offers OUTSET - of Bristol to create a sustainable, growth support to ambitious [email protected] inclusive and growing economy, business owners through one- 0800 917 9324 from which all will benefi t. to-one support with specialist www.outset.org/west-of-england/

Zazu’s Kitchen Pubs

Born out of a much-loved community café at the heart of the Stokes Croft scene, Zazu’s Kitchen Pubs has evolved over the years into a Bristol-based independent pub company with six pubs across the city and one in Bath. Owned by a group of fi ve friends with a varied background in hospitality, retail, music, publishing and local indie start-ups, Zazu’s has retained centre of the local community supporting nearby schools and good its core ethos from those early where quality is the hallmark. causes or putting on live events. days: turning failing sites into well Even with its rapid and continued The shareholders have a strong run, friendly pubs and bars at the expansion as a Group, Zazu’s works connection with, and passion for hard to avoid the cookie-cutter the city and want to provide highly approach to its growth. Each pub is sociable homes-from-homes which carefully refurbished and designed the city can be proud of. Not to to meet the local need and to deliver mention employment for nearly 200 what our neighbours have told us people. As the business develops, as being important to them and the more resources will be put back by area. The managers are encouraged Zazu’s into the community as part to have autonomy in creating of the company’s commitment to an offering tailor-made to their a Better Bristol. We are proud to be location, whether it is through free founder member and supporters of use of community space in the pub, Bristol 247’s excellent initiative.

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 51 SPONSORED FEATURE

‘In the last two decades, Bristol has grown to become one of the UK’s most attractive destinations’

a range of services to those both within the professional meetings industry and anyone organising business events. This support can range from developing bids for hosting major international to events through to sourcing venues for conferences, meetings or social events. The team have a strong venue and events background and know all the venues in the city region. This enables the venue finding service that they operate – one that is free to the client – to be much more than a simple automated search. They use their expertise knowledge to assess and consider Since its foundation as the Bristol events in Europe, the USA and every enquiry individually to ensure Tourism and Conference Bureau China, with some 200 journalists that only those venues suggested nearly 20 years ago, Destination and digital influencers visiting the will fit the criteria of the client and Bristol has been supporting and city, who go inevitably fall in love the needs of the delegates. It’s developing both business and with Bristol once they get here. not only conferences who benefit. leisure tourism into the city region. There is also a huge amount This includes gala dinners, social In that time, Bristol has grown of work that takes place locally, events and even Christmas parties. to become one of the UK’s most working with businesses to s well as venue finding, the attractive destinations for day trips, ensure they are able to capitalise team offer a delegate short breaks and as a place for on these opportunities. accommodation service, sourcing conferences and other business While the Visit Bristol team focus and negotiating bedroom rates for events, doubling the number of primarily on the leisure side of the events and offer advice including international visitors and becoming business, both directly to customers partner and social programmes a major economic force worth more and working in partnership with the to ensure those delegates visiting than £1.3bn to the local economy. trade, it is the role of the Meet Bristol the city will get out and about, For the last ten years, Destination team to develop the city region exploring the city region. Bristol has also developed offer to the meeting, incentive, the city’s largest Business conference and exhibition industry. More at www.MeetBristol.co.uk Improvement Districts and working The Meet Bristol team offer and www.VisitBristol.co.uk with other BIDS in the area. From the tourism perspective, much of the work delivered through the Visit Bristol and Meet Bristol teams will go unnoticed. While the Visit Bristol website and social media channels are recording record-breaking activity and the tourist information centre record visits, there are the trade partnerships, the press visits and the sales missions undertaken on behalf of the city region. This year, this has included

52 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 sponsored by EVENT SPACE GUIDE Planning your next event? This comprehensive event space guide is brought to you in conjunction with Destination Bristol. The organisation’s Meet Bristol team offers a range of free services, including venue selection and an online accommodation booking system to help plan the perfect conference or event. Contact: email: [email protected] or telephone: 0117 946 2200

Venue Max. Theatre Max. Exhibition Max. Max. Conference Bedrooms Onsite Style Space (m2) Cabaret Banqueting rooms Parking

Aerospace Bristol 200 2070 60 500 5 - ✓

Aldwick Estate 220 - 100 160 2 - ✓

Alveston House Hotel 85 67 40 75 2 29 ✓

Aquila - - - 100 2 - -

Armada House Conference & Events 200 195 100 120 11 - ✓

rnolfini 200 140 60 80 4 - -

Arnos Vale Cemetery 100 108 80 100 3 - ✓

Ashton Gate Stadium 1000 5100 680 850 36 - ✓

Berkeley Castle 150 154 130 130 4 - ✓

Berwick Lodge 70 90 50 80 3 14 ✓

Bristol Aquarium 340 73 150 150 3 - -

Bristol Cathedral 450 - 120 350 4 - -

Bristol Grammar School 380 650 - 380 66 - ✓

Bristol Harbour Hotel 400 392 200 320 3 42 -

Bristol Hippodrome 1914 - 30 40 5 - -

Bristol (The) 400 346 170 300 9 187 ✓

Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre 600 1300+ 450 450 19 300 ✓

Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel 300 1000+ 200 264 6 242 ✓

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery 250 200 160 250 2 - -

Bristol Old Vic 550 127 60 180 4 - -

Bristol SU 500 - 270 230 7 - -

Bristol YHA 50 - 30 - 2 37 -

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 53 sponsored by

Venue Max. Theatre Max. Exhibition Max. Max. Conference Bedrooms Onsite Style Space (m2) Cabaret Banqueting rooms Parking

Outdoor ✓ Bristol Zoo Gardens Outdoors only - - 2000 space -

Bristol Zoo Gardens, 120 150 90 120 5 - ✓ The Clifton Pavilion

Brunel’s Old Station/Passenger Shed 800 1500 500 600 1 - ✓

Brunel’s SS Great Britain 250 258 120 220 9 - ✓

City Hall 450 368 160 200 12 - -

Circadian Trust - 850 1589 800 600 6 - ✓ Thornbury Leisure Centre

Clevedon Hall 150 130 125 120 7 25 ✓

Colston Hall 1800 484 120 120 8 - -

Create Centre 70 1500 - - 4 - ✓

Creative Youth Network - The Station 220 176 80 150 4 - -

De Vere Tortworth Estate 400 344 230 280 14 201 ✓

DoubleTree by Hilton 300 367 250 240 12 206 ✓ Bristol City Centre

DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol 400 233 200 400 11 132 ✓ South, Cadbury House

Eastwood Park 150 103 120 100 15 69 ✓

Engine Shed 70 250 30 28 7 - -

Engineers’ House 170 420 120 120 14 - ✓

Filwood Green Business Park 30 - 20 - 2 - ✓

The Foundation (Triodos Bank) 120 - 80 - - - -

Future Inns Bristol Hotel 300 350 200 200 6 149 ✓

Harvey Nichols 55 - - 50 2 - -

Holiday Inn Bristol Airport 60 65 - - 2 80 ✓

Holiday Inn Bristol City Centre 160 285 96 140 7 155 ✓

Hotel Du Vin & Bistro 72 80 40 72 4 40 ✓

Kendleshire Golf Club 120 - 64 40 3 - ✓

Kings Weston House 160 - 120 - 8 - ✓

Leigh Court 150 124 60 118 6 - ✓

54 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 EVENT SPACE GUIDE

Venue Max. Theatre Max. Exhibition Max. Max. Conference Bedrooms Onsite Style Space (m2) Cabaret Banqueting rooms Parking

M Shed 220 131 140 180 6 - -

Mansion House 110 415 80 110 5 - ✓

Mercure Brigstow Hotel 70 100 40 60 4 116 -

Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel 500 632 240 430 11 182 ✓

Mercure Holland House Hotel 220 600 176 220 12 275 ✓

No.4 Clifton Village/Rodney Hotel 50 - 40 35 2 31 ✓

Novotel Bristol Centre 210 215 100 170 8 131 ✓

Paintworks Events Space 300 420 230 230 1 - ✓

Penny Brohn 90 116 40 50 3 26 ✓

Racks 75 66 40 66 2 48 -

Radisson Blu Hotel 120 170 64 100 4 176 ✓

Royal West of England Academy 400 149 280 300 3 - -

St George’s Bristol 562 1125 200 200 3 - -

The Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin 130 - 80 140 2 79 ✓

The Bristol Pavilion, 300 350 200 250 10 - ✓ Gloucestershire CCC

The Radnor Rooms 75 70 49 70 1 - -

The Square 60 120 60 70 3 47 -

The Tobacco Factory Theatres 350 150 150 150 2 - -

Thornbury Castle 75 80 24 66 2 27 ✓

Tracy Park 120 - 72 120 5 42 ✓

yntesfield 60 40 40 40 1 - ✓

University of Bristol 800 424 150 270 200 600 ✓

University of The West of England 2800 4000 480 800 15 1900 ✓

Watershed 200 257 75 75 6 - -

Waterfront Meeting Rooms 50 - 22 - 13 - -

We The Curious 460 468 240 300 6 - ✓

BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 | 55 OPINION sponsored by

‘We need workplaces to be supportive environments that encourage openness and honesty about mental health’

Beth Hendry, assistant director of operations for mental health at Milestones Trust, calls for companies to do more to support staff wellbeing and mental health in the workplace

‘It’s vital that employers place as much importance on the mental health of staff as on their physical health’

Although attitudes towards mental to be supportive environments they are prepared to see the health are gradually changing, there’s that encourage openness and best in people, are encouraging, no doubt that the stigma associated honesty about mental health. open to lateral thinking and with mental illness is still a worry for A positive work life – and indeed are not overly risk averse. many, especially in the workplace. work-life balance – leads to better For most people, being managed It’s vital that employers place as attendance and productivity, as well shouldn’t have an ill effect on their much importance on the mental as reducing presenteeism, and the health, but if the support isn’t right, health of their staff as their physical creation of resilient communities staff will struggle to do a good health, and that they recognise their within the working population. job. That’s the difference between role and fulfil their responsibilities At Milestones Trust, we are good and bad management. in helping staff to be well at work. working with managers to Being a good manager means There’s a weight of evidence teach them to spot potential being able to have difficult but that demonstrates the need for problems and we are training responsible conversations businesses to take this seriously. them to know how to help their in a tactful way to support a One in four employees feel their team members open up so that person’s workplace wellbeing. job negatively impacts upon their potential areas that could cause Whatever our role, age or mental health, and nearly a third stress are identified in advance. circumstances, we are all, at one say their workload is too much, This year, we have encouraged point or another, likely to benefit according to CIPD UK Working Lives all staff to complete these from support in developing coping survey, published earlier this year. ‘wellness discussions’ and develop strategies and building resilience More than 50 per cent of plans to identify what they need as the pace of life becomes employees also said that they feel from managers. This has also faster, expectations higher and under excessive pressure, exhausted included group discussion about resources less available. or regularly stressed at work. mental health, involvement in My own view is that we are Quite often, staff are concerned mental health campaign days starting to see positive change in that if they discuss their mental and arts for wellbeing projects attitudes towards stress and mental health with colleagues and bosses, that have included staff. health issues in the workplace, there will be an assumption that The best workplace managers but we continue to need more they are incapable of doing their job. have qualities that support investment in this area by the The culture of an organisation is mental health and wellbeing. For leaders of today’s businesses and Beth Hendry so important. We need workplaces example: being ‘a good listener’; organisations, small and large.

56 | BETTER BUSINESS BRISTOL 2018/19 Better Business is all about coming together to have a positive impact on the community.

Membership will help your business by amplifying its voice, encouraging collaboration, creating new relationships, strengthening old ones, celebrating business in the city & making sta happier.

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Latcham - Bristol 24/7 Artwork.indd 1 09/10/2018 13:01 INTERVIEW sponsored by

‘It would be a shame for us to be in our self-driving cars and still be so far away from having equality’

After starting her Dr Zara Nanu may not look like career in the charity your stereotypical superhero - but sector, Dr Zara make no mistake, her powers Nanu went on to are fast changing the world launch Gapsquare, one workplace at a time. a company that A pioneering approach to uses data to help addressing the gender pay gap companies identify has seen her Bristol-based and close their company rise to the fore as national gender pay gap experts in just two years. Reflecting on an impressive career that’s giving women hope of reaching a level playing field in employment, the co-founder & CEO

of Gapsquare admits to disliking Illustration by Anna Higgie maths when she was young. “If anyone had told me I would long hours,” recalls Zara. difficult raising money for a tech be using statistics to create gender “That’s when I started thinking company founded by a woman. equality, I would have laughed in that making sure they had access “Somebody told me that I should their face,” she says with a laugh, to a fair employment place was be in Westminster, not running as she speaks to Better Business in another matter. We were putting a business. I’ve been told that Hart’s Bakery. “But that goes back out fires, but there was very limited equality does not make money. I to the fact that I was still growing focus on how we could make the have even been mistaken for the up in an environment which was most of women in the economy.” waitress at a fundraising event stereotypical, and girls were not Zara moved to the UK and when I went to pitch, because I meant to be good at maths.” completed a PhD at UWE Bristol, was the only woman in the room.” Zara grew up in Moldova in before going on to work for a Zara says that male allies are a family of strong women and Young Women’s Trust centre in key to succeeding in her goal says that, as a former communist south Bristol, supporting women of shaving two centuries off country, there was at least who were trapped in poverty. the World Economic Forum’s the perception of equality. From there, she decided to shift prediction that it will take 217 years “Once I went to the US to study to the private sector – bringing to close the gender pay gap. and then the UK, I was really her ideas and values with her. “It would be a shame for us surprised at how behind the Her data-driven approach was to be in our self-driving cars world actually is,” she says. a very deliberate step to move and still be so far away from Zara started out working gender equality away from politics. having equality,” she says. in the charity sector, for a “There are still people saying Zara admits there is still a huge trafficking prevention project that that the gender pay gap is a myth,” mountain to climb and it will take provided women with skills and says Zara, who has the likes of a massive societal shift to achieve employment opportunities. the Metropolitan Police, Conde Gapsquare’s aims. But as she “It felt great to be working on Nast and many of the UK’s top prepares to head over to her Engine a project like that until I saw how 50 law firms on the books. Shed HQ for another day in the office, they were actually being employed “We have not had any funding, there’s little doubt this is a woman in really low paid jobs and working because I have found it really capable of moving that mountain.

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