Bristol 150, is a brand new business-focussed network, set up specifically for just 150 of the city’s leading entrepreneurs, managing directors, CEOs and owners of Bristol’s most exciting and dynamic creative and media businesses.

It will enable members to meet fellow likeminded business owners, access peer to peer support and guidance around sector and business related issues, share stories and exchange ideas, experiences, contacts and we’ll develop a series of activities around leadership, management and personal development.

Similar to the Bristol Media Mentor Scheme we announced last week, this idea came of out of recent member feedback where those questioned wanted more opportunities to get together with people who are sharing similar business challenges.

Mike Bennett, CEO stated:

“At the start of the year we held several round table dinners with over 60 MDs of digital, design TV and marketing companies to talk specifically about the recession. They we so productive and valuable in a general business sense that many of those who attended wanted Bristol Media to make them a regular feature.”

He continued:

“Members found it incredibly productive to openly share their personal experiences and war stories of running creative buinesses in the city with their peers and fellow directors. There was a fantastic flow of information and everybody came away fired up with new ideas and solutions they could take back to their individual businesses.”

So, Bristol Media has this week set up two new networks, one specifically for creative start-ups and companies under 3 years old and one for more established companies turning over in excess of £1 Million.

As of October both groups will have a busy calendar of monthly events including regular socials and networking, sector specific roundtables and dinners, seminars, talks and speaker events all of which are aimed at senior and executive level people.

Mike continued:

I very much see this as a new type of business network, unlike anything currently on offer. It’s aimed specifically at a new generation of business person who may be turned off by the exisitng business networks that exist because they’re not relevant to who they are and what they do. There are also lots of ‘business events’ where you’re simply bombarded by people trying to sell you their services, so we feel there’s a huge gap to offer something different to our existing Bristol Media membership. ”

Bristol 150 will initially run a series of sponsored events which will be free for members and then move to a paid membership model which will be integrated as part of Bristol Media membership.

To initially join the group, follow the link to our new LinkedIn Bristol 150 network.