The Bristol Chamber and Initiative has appointed a new president. The business support group has selected Ed Rowberry, the chief executive of investment organisation Bristol and Bath Regional Capital (BBRC), for the role.
Mr Rowberry has been instrumental in securing more than £70m investment for the West of England as head of the BBRC and has said he is “committed to driving good growth”.
He will hold his first address at the Bristol Initiative’s West of England Metro Mayor Hustings, which takes place next month.
The Bristol Initiative, Business West’s leadership tier of membership, comprises more than 140 business leaders working together to influence the way the region is shaped, managed and developed.
The group works on issues such as sustainable and inclusive growth, improving transport and mobility, improving education and skills, and tackling deprivation.
Mr Rowberry, who originally trained as a chartered accountant at KPMG, has more than 25 years of experience in the commercial property, financial services and affordable housing sectors. He founded BBRC a decade ago.
He 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.”
Victoria Matthews, Bristol director, said that Mr Rowberry would ensure the region’s “voice is heard”.
“Our members are operating in particularly challenging times,” she said. “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.”
She added: “We will benefit enormously from his impressive track record of securing investment and driving impact.”