Better Business / Member news
Better Business meeting celebrates impact of community-driven journalism
The first Bristol24/7 Better Business meeting of 2026 was recently held at boomsatsuma in the Tobacco Factory, bringing together partner members for an afternoon of connection, collaboration and community impact.
Better Business, launched in 2018, supports local businesses to grow while creating a positive social and environmental impact across Bristol.
Over the years, the network has played an important role in funding community-focused initiatives, including the Bristol24/7 Community Reporter scheme, supporting charity partners and hosting events that bring businesses together under the shared goal of making the city better for everyone.
The evening was led by Ruth Morris, Network Manager for Better Business, who welcomed new partner members: Calvium, Putt Above, Cooking it, Caring in Bristol, Bristol Charities, Counter Culture and Not Impossible.
In her opening address, Ruth highlighted the network’s impact, including its support for independent journalism – photo: RedRock Consulting
In her opening address, Ruth highlighted the network’s impact, including its support for independent journalism at a time when local publications face increasing challenges, and its role in amplifying the voices of communities around Bristol.
Members also shared updates and insights from across the network. Elliot Lamb spoke about the range of courses available at boomsatsuma, providing pathways into the creative industries through college- and university-level qualifications. He noted how pleased he was to see some of the past pupils are now working for the creative sector with paid contracts.
Elliot Lamb from boomsatsuma addressing the audience on the creative training at the facility – photo: Milan Perera
Tom Faithful from Unyfi discussed the importance of long-term energy procurement strategies for businesses.
John Stienlet from Quartet Community Foundation outlined impact funding opportunities for charities and community organisations, while Josh Eggleton from The Pony Chew Valley reflected on the impact of Anti Banquet, launched to address food poverty in the city.
Josh Eggleton from The Pony Chew Valley reflected on the impact of Anti Banquet, launched to address food poverty in the city – photo: Milan Perera
First launched in 2024, the pioneering event reimagined the traditional banquet model and raised more than £100,000 for local food charities through the Bristol Local Food Fund at its March 2025 event.
Chef Eggleton will return to Ashton Gate for the Bristol Legends event, cooking for around 600 attendees alongside a group of leading chefs.
Attendees then heard from Bristol24/7 Community Reporter Maelo Manning, who spoke about the importance of the Community Reporters scheme and her work covering Southmead and the South Asian community. She highlighted why community reporters play a vital role in raising issues that matter to local communities.
A moving presentation followed from Andrea Choules and Kath Jones from Jessie May, who shared the charity’s work supporting families of children with life-limiting conditions.
Community Reporter Maelo Manning spoke about the importance of the Community Reporters scheme and her work covering Southmead and the South Asian community – photo: Milan Perera
They also spoke about the charity’s renewed drive to raise awareness of early diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), after singer Jesy Nelson recently met with health secretary Wes Streeting to call for earlier screening following her twin daughters’ SMA type 1 diagnosis.
The evening also included an update from Bristol24/7 Managing Director Ben Wright on the upcoming Legends Event, taking place on March 6 at Ashton Gate, a flagship event celebrating the leading lights and unsung heroes who help make Bristol a better place for everyone.
Special thanks went to boomsatsuma for hosting, Bristol Beer Factory and Counter Culture Drinks for the drinks and Square Food Foundation for the delicious canapes.
Special thanks went to boomsatsuma for hosting, Bristol Beer Factory and Counter Culture Drinks for the drinks and Square Food Foundation for the delicious canapes – photo: Ruth Morris
The formal proceedings closed with informal networking, giving members the chance to connect, share ideas and strengthen relationships ahead of the next meeting in April.
Main photo: Ruth Morris
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