BRISTOL UPDATES

NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS

Imaginatal provides pre-natal scanning for expectant mothers

CONGRATULATIONS IN ORDER

A local provider of pre-natal ultrasound scanning services has been recognised by the The Gloucestershire Business Awards –now in its 24th year. Imaginatal has made the finalist list for an award in business innovation, and is up against two other businesses.

The awards aim to celebrate enterprises from across the county –an especially important goal after the rollercoaster 2021 has been for small businesses. Over 100 different organisations, across dozens of different sectors, were submitted for the competition.

“It has been such a tough 18 months and we are incredibly proud of how resilient our team has been throughout Covid,” said the Imaginatal team. The results will be announced in a live ceremony on 15 September –good luck, guys!

• imaginatal.co.uk; Twitter: @imaginatal

BOOST FOR THE VISUAL ARTS

The West of England Visual Arts Alliance has been awarded £1.18 million by Arts Council England to transform the future of visual arts in Bristol –making it more progressive, sustainable and inclusive and and ensuring ambition and opportunity is thriving in the region by 2024. A new consortium partnership of nine organisations across the region has also been formed to bring about this step change.

Co-led by Spike Island and Visual Arts South West, partners include The Brunswick Club, Creative Youth Network and Culture Weston. Critical opportunities –artist development programmes; mentoring and skills workshops; research and development bursaries; commissioning and exhibition opportunities; positive action policies designed to remove barriers for underrepresented groups –will enable artists, curators and young people to achieve their potential. “This gives us an exceptional opportunity to build a more resilient, progressive and inclusive sector,” said Robert Leckie, Spike Island director. “We can't wait to start delivering on the many exciting projects and opportunities that this funding enables.”

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Babbasa and the City Office have launched ‘Our City 2030’, a bold, positive target to support at least one person from each inner-city Bristol household to secure a median salary (£30,353) by 2030. It aims to catalyse systemic change, inspiring citizens and businesses to pursue a fairer future for young people.

An online launch event was held to bring together city stakeholders and discuss initial ideas on how to get more young people into meaningful employment and training; increase representation in the workplace; drive city strategy for more purposeful cross-sector collaboration; and make opportunities fairer and more inclusive.

“This vision aims to create real change across the city, taking individuals and families away from the poverty line,” says Poku Osei, founder and CEO at Babbasa. “‘Our City 2030’ provides Bristol with a unique convening platform for businesses, community partners, education providers, funders, policymakers and young people to directly work together; to increase representation within the workplace, and reduce prejudice and inequality in the city we all love.”

• bristol.gov.uk

The target aims to catalyse systemic change and a fairer future for young people

PEACE OF MIND

MW Estate Planning has opened a new branch of its successful estate planning business, covering the Bristol area.

Justin Hennessey will be running the local office, providing wills, powers of attorney and trusts to the community. “I am looking forward to meeting new clients and building my business, providing a cost effective and ethical service,” said Justin, a member of the Society of Will Writers who is supported by Matthew Wildeman, a STEP qualified will writer.

“With 65% of people not having wills, it’s great to now be able to offer our services to the people of Bristol,” added Matthew. For more information or a free consultation, get in touch on 0117 9902113 or justin.hennessey@mwestateplanning.co.uk

• mwestateplanning.co.uk