The group that provides a voice for business on planning and transport infrastructure issues in the Bristol area has a new co-chair.
Jonathan Foster-Clark, pictured, senior transport strategy advisor in the Bristol office of consulting engineering group Atkins, is co-chairing the Business West Planning, Transport and Climate Group, working alongside fellow co-chair Kevin Gibbs. 
Jonathan, a 25-year veteran of the planning and transportation industry, has taken over from Roger Key of Key Transport Consultants, who has stepped down after 13 years following retirement.
The group is made up of some of Bristol’s largest employers and local planning, transport and environmental experts from organisations as diverse as Avon Wildlife Trust and Bristol Green Capital Partnership to the University of Bristol and Network Rail.
In monthly meetings convened by Business West, the group makes representations on behalf of the business community to local authorities on key issues such as Bristol’s Clean Air Zone and the sub region’s strategic plans.
Roger Key said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Jonathan has taken over the reins as co-chair.
“He has been an incredibly active member of the group over many years and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help drive the development of this region forward.”
Jonathan has worked on a number of high-profile national projects, including the long-term transportation strategy to support the Midlands Engine programme.
In 2017 he worked with local authorities across the West of England authorities to develop a similar strategy to support long-term growth to 2040.
Jonathan said: “The Planning, Transport and Climate Group has a long track record of working with and challenging local authorities to improve transportation provision locally for residents, business and visitors alike.
“In my role as co-chair , I will seek to put climate change and sustainability at the core of mobility developments in this region to ensure that the Bristol city region remains an attractive place to live and work for future generations.
“I’d like to thank Roger for the support he has given me and more broadly for his work in establishing this group as the voice of business on key local planning and transport matters.”
Kevin Gibbs, pictured, who is senior counsel and head of strategic planning in the Bristol office of transatlantic law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, added: “Roger has been a stalwart in the development of the region’s transportation infrastructure for many years and I know I speak on behalf of the business community in thanking Roger for working tirelessly to ensure that the voice of business is heard by our local authorities on key issues.
“I look forward to working more closely with Jonathan in the coming months and years ahead.
“His expertise will no doubt prove invaluable in light of the government’s levelling up agenda and developments locally such as regional devolution and the Western Gateway.”
Business West, the region’s largest business group, also runs Bristol Chamber of Commerce and the Bristol Initiative.
