Creating opportunities for young people will be the key theme of this year's Bristol Chamber of Commerce annual dinner.
While celebrating business in the Bristol area, the event will also act as a platform for an appreciation of how firms can help young people and those on the fringes of society by being good corporate citizens.
Guest speaker at the dinner, held next Thursday, is John Bird MBE, best known for setting up The Big Issue. Born into poverty and brought up in care, he is well placed to address the issues surrounding homelessness and supporting young people from difficult backgrounds to harness their potential against the odds.
Also highlighted at the event will be the homeless charity Emmaus Bristol, the Bristol Chamber of Commerce president's chosen charity, while a group of young people from The Station will perform on the night.
The Station, part of The Creative Youth Network, offers young people from all backgrounds the opportunity to transform themselves through the arts, and the chance to unlock their potential through learning new skills.
Emmaus provides space and support for homeless people to start rebuilding their lives. They arrive at the charity at a very low point in their lives and for many different reasons – although relationship breakdown, bereavement, addiction or abuse have often played a part.
Chamber director James Durie, said: "It is key to the overall success of our local community that business owners are able to run successful, growing businesses alongside providing opportunities to those who aren't currently in work, and in particular our young people.”
The dinner is sponsored by South Gloucestershire and Stroud College and Air France KLM, and supported by media partner Bristol Business News.
Regularly attracting more than 300 guests, the annual Chamber dinner is regarded as a who’s who of business in the region and offers guests the chance to mix with senior business leaders, local politicians and the media.
The black-tie dinner takes place at the Grand by Thistle in Bristol.
Tickets cost £75 for members of the Chamber of Commerce network, £110 for non-members and are available to buy individually or in tables of 8, 10 or 12. More details can be found at www.businesswest.co.uk/events
