In just under a month, Bristol’s business community will come together for The Welcome Party, an event celebrating the economic, cultural and social contributions to the city of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.
Taking place on Thursday 7 November at The Mount Without on St Michael’s Hill, pictured below, the gathering promises to be a powerful coming together of Bristol business, community and culture, showcasing the resilience and talents of the city’s often underrepresented groups. 
For businesses, The Welcome Party, which is being organised by ACH, the Bristol social enterprise focused on integration and empowerment, will not be just another networking event.
It will be a pivotal moment for the city’s business leaders to reflect on their role in fostering inclusivity and supporting migrant success.
With headline appearances from Sir Mo Farah, one of the UK’s most celebrated athletes and a former refugee, and MoYah, a Mozambique-born musician, it will highlight the shared journeys and contributions of these communities.
The Welcome Party will also present a unique opportunity for Bristol and West of England businesses to engage in meaningful discussions about diversity and inclusion, while forging new partnerships with like-minded organisations.
Corporate attendees will have the chance to connect with refugee-led enterprises and learn how they are making a significant impact on Bristol’s economy. 
The event will also highlight the ways in which local companies can support the integration of refugees and migrants through skills training, mentorship and employment opportunities.
This engagement is not just about social responsibility – it is a strategic investment in Bristol’s future workforce and economic innovation.
Among businesses supporting the event are Bristol-headquartered national law firm Burges Salmon and Curo Group, the Bath-based housing association and property firm.
Longtime advocates of inclusion, the firms will be featured prominently in the evening’s programme.
Burges Salmon chief people officer Alice Bretherton, pictured, said:“We understand the immense value that diversity and social mobility bring to the workplace. 
“Refugees and migrants offer unique perspectives, skills and experiences that enrich our professional landscape and, by championing The Welcome Party, we shine a light on the importance of opening doors to talent from all backgrounds and creating opportunities where everyone can succeed, regardless of where they started their journey.”
One of the evening’s highlights will be a culinary showcase featuring refugee- and migrant-led catering businesses, offering a rich menu of dishes from countries such as Sudan, Egypt and Sri Lanka.
This vibrant dining experience symbolises the cultural heritage and resilience of Bristol’s migrant communities.
Through food, performances and personal stories, the evening will tell a broader narrative about perseverance, creativity and the contributions refugees and migrants make to Bristol’s cultural and economic fabric.
The event will also feature an exclusive 40-minute, on-stage conversation between Sir Mo Farah and MoYah.
They will share their stories of displacement, community support and eventual success. Sir Mo’s journey from fleeing conflict in Somaliland to becoming an Olympic champion offers a powerful testament to the role that a strong support network – and an inclusive society – can play in transforming lives.
In addition to cultural showcases, the event will also feature a discussion led by ACH CEO Fuad Mahamed, pictured, alongside employers and beneficiaries who engage in this vital work.
The conversation will delve into ACH’s critical work in helping refugees and migrants rebuild their lives in Bristol, offering insights into the key factors behind successful integration and community resilience.
For businesses, this is a crucial moment to reflect on the ways they can actively support these efforts.
ACH’s ongoing collaboration with Bristol companies demonstrates the tangible impact of empowering refugees through skills and employment, not only enriching lives but also driving innovation in the business community.
As MoYah, who will serve as the event’s MC, puts it: “This event is incredibly personal to me, as someone who came to Europe as a refugee.
“The Welcome Party is not just a celebration, it’s a recognition of the strength and creativity that refugees and migrants bring to this city.”
The event, which is also being supported by Wessex Water, part of the YTL Group, will be more than a feel-good event – it will be a rallying cry for the region’s business community to play an active role in creating pathways to success for all its residents.
By participating, businesses can help shape a city and region where inclusivity is not just a value but a standard for doing business.
For more information on how to get involved, visit: The Welcome Party | ACH. Bristol Business News is media partner of The Welcome Party.
