Bristol Legends News / Business
Meet the categories: Bristol’s business legends
Bristol24/7 is asking for nominations as part of our new project, Bristol Legends.
We want to recognise the businesses that make Bristol a thriving hub, highlighting achievements in innovation and businesses large and small.
From leaders making change on the international business stage, to independent shops and organisations that make Bristol special, we want to know who you think deserves to be spotlighted as a Bristol Business Legend.
In the business category, we are looking to celebrate legends in the areas of:
Business leaders
Global impact
Independent retailers
Innovation
Start ups
Along with any other causes you believe deserve recognition.
Once we know your favourites, our hand-picked Business panel will decide who will be named a Bristol Business Legend at our event in March 2026.
This year’s Bristol Legends business panel hosts some of the masterminds that keep Bristol’s cogs turning. They are:
Ed Rowberry
Ed Rowberry is this year’s head of the business panel – photo: Strike Communications
Ed is this head panellist of this year’s Bristol Business Legends panel. Chief executive of Bristol & Bath Regional Capital, Ed leads regional impact investment projects that drive social, environmental, and economic benefit. He also serves as president of the Bristol Chamber & Initiative and sits on several local boards.
Zara Nanu
Zara Nanu is an expert in workplace equality and fair pay – photo: UWE Bristol
Founder of Gapsquare and WorkVue, professor in practice at the University of Bristol and gender equality research and strategy commissioner for the West of England Women’s Commission, Zara is an expert in workplace equality and fair pay, advising global organisations on building fairer, more inclusive workplaces.
Briony Phillips
Briony Phillips is a driving force in scale-ups and innovation – photo: Engine Shed
Briony has been connecting founders and investors across the South West in various roles including at Engine Shed, techSPARK and women’s network Electra. She’s a driving force in supporting regional innovation, scale-up businesses, and equitable access to funding.
Bianca Jones
Bianca Jones specialises in delivering mental health and wellbeing training to businesses and organisations – photo: EDP Training
Managing director of EDP Training, Bianca delivers mental health, wellbeing and anti-racism training to organisations nationwide, promoting prevention, equity and inclusive leadership. Her extensive experience with a diverse range of Bristol organisations gives her a unique perspective on the local business sector.
Tom Ball
Tom Ball promotes community-led co-working spaces – photo: DeskLodge
Founder and chief executive officer of DeskLodge, Tom champions creative, community-driven workspaces that inspire productivity, collaboration and wellbeing across Bristol and beyond. He has seen hundreds of businesses come through their co-working spaces over the years so knows Bristol’s start ups and small businesses better than most.
Catherine Frankpitt
Catherine Frankpitt is a strategic communications leader – photo: Strike Communications
Managing director of Strike Communications and board member of Bristol24/7, Catherine is a strategic communications leader active in Bristol’s media and civic landscape. Specialising in organisations doing good in the world, Catherine has worked with businesses large and small in Bristol and beyond.
Main photo: Lucy Kenchington
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