News / Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative
Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative appoints new president
A new president has been announced for the Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative.
Ed Rowberry, chief executive of the Bristol & Bath Regional Capital (BBRC), is the new president of the Bristol chamber.
Rowberry, the driving force behind BBRC, has been instrumental in securing over £70 million in investment for the West of England.
With a strong commitment to fostering ‘good growth,’ Rowberry aims to bring fresh leadership and strategic direction to the Chamber & Initiative’s efforts.
Leigh Court near Failand is the home of Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative – photo: Milan Perera
Rowberry’s first major engagement as president will be at the Bristol Initiative’s West of England Metro Mayor Hustings, which is scheduled to take place next month.
The event is expected to be an opportunity for him to outline his vision for the future of the region.
Ed Rowberry said: “I’m incredibly honoured to be selected as president of Bristol Chamber and Initiative. In an increasingly polarised world, business can be a real force for good.
“With its diverse network of leading businesses and organisations from across Bristol and the wider region, the Initiative brings a powerful voice to key policy issues and collective strength to lead inclusive, responsible and sustainable economic growth that ensures both business and communities prosper.
“As president, I look forward to playing my part in championing our city region and ensuring our businesses have what they need to thrive and trade.”
Bristol & Bath Regional Capital (BBRC) has been serial investor in community projects such as Roger Gracie Bristol (RCB) – photo: Milan Perera
The Bristol Initiative, an influential leadership group within Business West, brings together over 140 business leaders dedicated to positively shaping the region’s growth.
With a focus on sustainable and inclusive development, the group works on key issues such as improving transport and mobility, enhancing education and skills, and addressing local deprivation. The overarching goal is to ensure the region’s growth benefits all of its residents.
Rowberry’s extensive experience in both the commercial property and financial sectors, combined with his work in affordable housing, positions him as a valuable leader for the Initiative.
Originally trained as a chartered accountant at KPMG, he founded BBRC over a decade ago, building the organisation into the South West’s leading place-based impact investor.
BBRC focuses on improving the wellbeing of people, communities, and the environment, operating throughout the South West of England.
“Our members need a strong collective voice, and I know that Ed will ensure that voice is heard,” said Victoria Matthews, Bristol director of Business West – photo: Milan Perera
In addition to his work at BBRC, Rowberry is actively involved in other charitable and community-focused roles.
He serves as a trustee at the Bristol Zoological Society Pension Fund and the SS Great Britain Trust.
Victoria Matthews, Bristol director at Business West, said: “It’s clear that Ed’s values and vision align closely with ours. We will benefit enormously from his impressive track record of securing investment and driving impact.
“He is well known and respected within our business community, and I look forward to working with him to help our businesses and region prosper.
“Our members are operating in particularly challenging times. We know that many want to take on new staff, invest and improve our region.
“Yet, they face numerous hurdles, including the broader economic climate and local issues such as poor transport connectivity and a lack of affordable housing for staff. Our members need a strong collective voice, and I know that Ed will ensure that voice is heard.”
Main photo: First Avenue Photography
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