Bristol Chamber & Initiative’s new president has pledged to focus on “community and green growth”, saying the city can be a global leader in social and environmental change.
Dr Justin Morris, pictured, chief executive of Bristol Zoological Society – the charity that runs Bristol Zoo Project – started his term in office this week, replacing Jaya Chakrabarti, who has been in the role for the past two years.
The Bristol Initiative – run by Business West, the region’s largest business group – is the top tier of the Chamber’s membership.
It is made up of more than 150 business leaders who work together to positively influence the way the city and wider 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.
Dr Morris, who is Bristol born and bred, brings more than 20 years’ experience of leading commercial, charitable and professional services.
Before joining Bristol Zoological Society five-and-a-half years ago, he worked in roles including director of public engagement at the Natural History Museum in London and the British Museum’s director of strategy and operations at the
He said in taking up the role of Chamber & Initiative president, he was committed to acting on behalf of the community, not just on behalf of business.
“Bristol’s future is not just the responsibility of local authorities and politicians. Businesses need to be part of the discussion and drive change,” he said.
Speaking at his first Bristol Initiative meeting recently, he described how society had experienced an unprecedented series of changes and impacts over the past few years, the cumulative effect of which are some very challenging social, environmental, and economic headwinds.
“We now have a series of existential challenges to address such as climate change, habitat loss and population growth that require a more combined focus and long-term commitment,” he added.
“Cities have a specific and important role to address these challenges, and we need a strong, responsible business community to drive positive change, which is why the Bristol Initiative exists.”
Dr Morris will also support the Bristol Initiative’s involvement in the OurCity2030 project, which aims to support young people from low-income households, starting from inner city Bristol, to secure a median salary role by 2030.
In addition he said he wanted to drive green growth, making it a greater focus for the business community, adding that there was an opportunity for Bristol to be a real leader in the UK and across the globe.
He added: “I am eager as president to work with businesses to identify initiatives to help address the challenges we face, and realise the opportunities.
“Bristol has an extraordinary wealth of talent and ideas. Business West, as the leading voice of business for our region, is well-placed to facilitate discussions to nurture these ideas into practical solutions.”
“City dwellers across Bristol must experience the benefits of urban life for the city to thrive. It is in all our interests that our city is a pleasant place to live, one that is easy to commute and one that offers opportunities for all.”
Next year, he will set up an informal committee to advise Business West of opportunities in Bristol that it has identified as important, and to ensure member feedback is central to the Initiative’s activity.
Bristol Initiative membership director Victoria Matthews said: “The Bristol Initiative will benefit hugely from Justin’s extensive leadership experience and his passion for his home city, environment and social issues.
“I look forward to working closely with him to progress our existing initiatives, and discover new ways to ensure a brighter, and fairer, future for Bristol.”
Speaking of her two-year term, Jaya, who is also founder of TISCreport, a Bristol-based platform for tackling modern slavery in supply chains, said: “It’s been quite an adventure. When I first took on the role of President, I had some lofty goals, such as promoting corporate activism, transparency, and equity.
“Little did I know that I would be facing unprecedented challenges, including the aftermath of COVID-19, the impact of Brexit on businesses, and even the effects of extreme weather on various aspects of our business community.”
