• Swindon & Wiltshire Appointments
• Monday April 7 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Bristol Junior Chamber elects new leadership team

Bristol Junior Chamber has elected a new leadership team at its AGM.

Connor Jones, a senior financial education consultant from Mercer, has succeeded Emma Carter of the Jessie May Trust as president following a year as vice president.

Other council of management appointments include Jyles Allen of Quilters as vice president, Rachel Horsburgh from Imperial Brands as honorary secretary, and Deloitte’s James Tobin as treasurer.

Zara Brewer of Sprague Gibbons has been elected membership secretary and Catherine Harris of St James’ Place is company secretary.

Kathryn Binnie of Business West is chair of business and enterprise, Rhiannon Michael of VWV is chair of charity, Taran-Jade Walton from RWK Goodman is chair of education and skills, Huw James of Business West is chair of heritage and culture, Steph Pike of VWV is chair of marketing, PR and social media, Tom Martin of Bristol Sport is chair of sport, and Laura Heard of Ashton Gate with Sarah Ameson from Elior UK are the joint chairs of social and events.

Welcoming the new council, Connor spoke about the potential that the BJC has to innovate, and in so doing act as inspiration for its members to look to do the same in both their professional and personal lives.

Ultimately, he said, the aim of the year is to find innovative and collaborative ways to work with the businesses, charities and other organisations that support the Chamber, giving back more to its members wherever possible whilst enabling them to have even more opportunity to collaborate amongst themselves and with longstanding partners such as Business West.

This continues the work over the past year under now-immediate past president Emma Carter, which has seen the BJC undergo a transformative digital journey with the creation of its new website, and a refreshed focus on enhancing the membership experience to give a wider variety of opportunity for networking through its calendar of engaging events and activities.

During the past 12 months, the BJC has endeavoured to remain a strong voice for young professionals across Bristol, worked with partners such as Business West on a series of events including a General Elections Hustings and an International Women’s Day panel event, as well as renewing its continued support for the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta as a sponsor, having co-founded the event over 40 years ago.

“The simplest and easiest way to sum up the BJC is to talk about its potential,” said Connor.

“Whether it’s the potential we see in our members as they flourish in their careers, or the potential we have as a whole to make a positive impact in our city.

“This all comes through an innovative spirit and a willingness to collaborate, and I am excited to see what we can achieve this year.”

“I want to thank Emma and the outgoing members of the council for their outstanding work over the past year that has really helped to strengthen our standing and reputation within the city, as well as across our membership base which continues to grow and welcome new and exciting organisations from across Bristol and the wider city region.

“Their work has really helped set us up for what has the potential to be a special year ahead.”

Bristol Junior Chamber is Bristol’s longest-running networking organisation for young working professionals.

The AGM was held on April 2 at Merchants Hall, the home of the Society of Merchant Venturers.