Businesses will get the chance to quiz Bristol’s main mayoral candidates on Monday on how they would shape the city’s future economic wellbeing and improve employment prospects.
Business West – Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative, Bristol Junior Chamber and the Institute of Directors – with Bristol Business News acting as media partner – are collaborating to host the biggest hustings so far of the elected mayor race.
With more than 1,800 combined members between the three organisations, uptake has been good.
Each candidate will start with a 30-second speaking slot, leaving plenty of time for questions from the audience to challenge their various approaches to business and attracting investment in Bristol.
Director of Bristol of Commerce & Initiative at Business West James Durie said: “It is important that the Bristol Mayoral Office is informed by a strategic vision to take the city’s business agenda forward on the local, national and also international stage but also work to support local business people in all their endeavours.
“We have a diverse business community in Bristol and there is so much strength we can build on through co
llaboration and enterprise between organisations and individuals and this is being demonstrated at the hustings itself. We want to get business people talking and will be putting our ‘business agenda for change’ to the candidates. We want to ensure the new Bristol Mayoral role works for the whole of the Bristol area and our hustings promises to be a lively debate.”
Bristol Institute of Directors chair Tom McCarthy said: “Small and medium sized businesses are the backbone of our economy. We know how difficult it is right now for them to grow and develop. These businesses need to know that their city is behind them and supporting them, helping to provide employment and economic stability in Bristol.
“Therefore, we need to know that whoever becomes mayor has a real understanding of what is going on for employers and employees alike. This is a unique chance to see where the candidates stand on important issues and what their big ideas are to ensure growth and future prosperity for our city.”
Bristol Junior Chamber president Savita Custead said: “Whoever becomes mayor is lucky to have a talented pool of young professionals and dedicated business people already thriving in the city.
“However, there are significant challenges both now and in the future that need to be addressed on a local and national stage. We will be looking for all the candidates at the debate to provide us with some answers on how they intend to help support this part of the population and develop a city that is internationally-renowned as a business destination.”
The debate will be chaired by BBC Points West business correspondent Dave Harvey.
To attend the free event at the Dolman Exhibition Hall at Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol business people need to register online and tickets are on a first come, first served basis.
The event takes place on Monday Nov 5, 5.30pm-8pm and tickets are available here: www.bristolbusinessmayorhustings.eventbrite.co.uk
