• Swindon & Wiltshire Appointments
• Thursday February 27 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Bristol Chamber & Initiative names new president

Business leadership organisation The Bristol Chamber & Initiative has appointed the CEO of impact investor Bristol & Bath Regional Capital as its new president.

Ed Rowberry, who as the driving force behind BBRC has mobilised more than £70 million investment into the West of England over the past decade, says 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 over 140 business leaders working together to positively influence the way the region is shaped, managed, and developed – with a particular focus on sustainable and inclusive growth, improving transport and mobility, improving education and skills, and tackling deprivation.

Ed, who originally trained as a chartered accountant at KPMG, brings over 25 years of experience in the commercial property, financial services and affordable housing sectors to the role.

He founded BBRC a decade ago and has grown the organisation into the region’s leading place-based impact investor, operating across the South West of England.

Its mission is to improve the wellbeing of people, local communities and the environment.

Ed is also a trustee at the Bristol Zoological Society Pension Fund and the SS Great Britain Trust and co-opted to the board of Black South West Network.

“I’m incredibly honoured to be selected as president of Bristol Chamber and Initiative,” said Ed.

“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, director of The Bristol Initiative, 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.”