Better Business / Better Business
Bristol24/7 Better Business meeting celebrates positive impact in the city
The first Bristol24/7’s Better Business meeting of 2024 was held on Thursday with the attendance of its key partners and members.
Better Business, an initiative launched in 2018 by Bristol24/7, has been helping local businesses to thrive, while creating a positive impact on Bristol and the people who live here.
The Better Business network has played a vital role in funding impactful social and environmental projects, such as the Bristol24/7 Community Reporter initiative, and hosting events to bring businesses together under a shared goal of making the city better for everybody.
The initiative, which began as a response to the evolving media landscape, has grown to encompass a broader scope, incorporating social initiatives that address community needs.
University of Bristol, a Better Business key partner, hosted the event at its Careers Service on Tyndall Avenue. The proceedings for the evening were led by Meg Houghton Gilmour, Head of Audience at Bristol24/7 and Ruth Morris, Network Manager of Better Business.
“Many of our Better Business members don’t appreciate the positive impact that their investment has on the local community until they attend the events”
During the opening address the latest members of the Better Business network were introduced and welcomed, which included Dial A Geek, Dunleavy Vineyards, Office Tech Suite and National Friendly.
Bristol24/7’s charity partner for last year, Refugee Women in Bristol was also present at the event. Vicky Harte, representing the organisation, thanked Better Business for the support it received in creating a safe space and a community for refugee women to empower themselves.
Andy Leake introduced themself as the newly appointed LGBTQ+ Editor, having previously worked as a Community Reporter for Lawrence Hill. He vowed to transform the narratives surrounding LGBTQ+ reporting from tragic events and discrimination to joy and uplifting news.
Among the members who addressed the event were representatives from City of Bristol College and YTKO, who discussed preparing young people for business and support available for local SME businesses.
The Better Business meeting was followed by a social event enabling the members to connect and exchange ideas
Speaking about the quarterly Better Business meeting, Ruth Morris, Network Manager, said: “Our quarterly Better Business Events are always inspiring. Many of our Better Business Members don’t appreciate the positive impact that their investment has on the local community until they attend the events.
“The diversity of businesses within the network lead to some really exciting collaborations, and it’s great to see people actively connecting and forming links. I always leave these events feeling incredibly lucky to be connected with such a fantastic group of people.”
Meg Houghton Gilmour, head of audiences and Miles Arnold, communications manager at Bristol24/7 getting the proceedings underway for the first quarterly meeting of Better Business for 2024
Also speaking to Bristol24/7, Anna Byas, enterprise and SME development manager at the University of Bristol, said: “As a key partner of Better Business, the University of Bristol is incredibly pleased to have hosted the first Better Business meet up for 2024.
“Our Careers Service has collaborated closely with Bristol24/7 over the years in delivering an SME internship programme to hone the skills of next generation of professionals and industry leaders.
“Our other programmes such as SETsquared Bristol provides a dynamic, bespoke, and supportive environment to grow your technology business. It was also great to see so many dynamic individuals and organisations who are passionate about making a positive change for the city present this evening.”
The meeting was followed by refreshments with the courtesy of Arbor Ale and Square Food Foundation which enabled Better Business members to connect and exchange ideas.
All photos: Milan Perera
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