WELCOME M
eet the shining stars of Bristol’s professional services community, from creative directors to financial experts who can help your wealth grow, and myriad other professions in between. Work hard, play hard, so the mantra goes. But how do you make sure all your hard work pays off, allowing you to reap the rewards of your labours? Talk to an expert, of course; and to make the choice easier, over the following pages you’ll find a cross-section of the crème de la crème of the city’s professionals, who can help you get your life in order . . .
PROPERTY
ALLCOTT ASSOCIATES LLP
David Clare FRICS, MFPWS, Partner
Tell us a little about your business…
Allcott Associates started life as a family firm of chartered surveyors. We have since grown into a nationwide company, providing building surveys to homebuyers in Bristol and beyond. We also have commercial surveying and structural engineering teams, supporting business clients all over the country.
Did You Know?
We have surveyed some fascinating properties across the Bristol region, from the rangery at the ower ouse estate, to the city-centre rade isted ranary, which has hosted famous faces ranging from ron aiden and lade to Only Fools and Horses’ el Boy’
What areas do you specialise in?
ur teams each have different specialisms that compliment each other this works really well for our clients, because they can get a broad range of professional advice without looking elsewhere. or the residential team, which oversee, it’s evel building surveys these are the gold standard, telling you everything you need to know about a property and helping you
budget for repair and maintenance costs. Our commercial team includes experts in landlord and tenant matters, condition surveys and planned preventative maintenance, as well as valuations and expert witness. ur structural engineers work across a broad range of pro ects, with a focus on structural calculations for construction work, roof load assessments and me anine appraisals.
What makes working in Bristol special?
or me it is a vibrant city; multi-cultural, with interesting buildings that have a uni ue vernacular style. lus, it always helps having great places to go for lunch like owee iner for the burgers and rosstown for the doughnuts
For more:
Castlemead, Lower Castle Street, Bristol, BS1 3AG; info@allcottassociates.co.uk; 0333 200 7198; allcottassociates.co.uk
“OUR TEAMS EACH HAVE DIFFERENT SPECIALISMS THAT COMPLIMENT EACH OTHER – THIS WORKS REALLY WELL FOR OUR CLIENTS, BECAUSE THEY CAN GET A BROAD RANGE OF PROFESSIONAL ADVICE WITHOUT LOOKING ELSEWHERE”
DAVID CLARE, Partner
JAS BUILDING SERVICES (BRISTOL) LIMITED
Andrew
Sperring, CEO
Tell us a little about your business...
Building ervices is a family run multi-award-wining company who specialise in ome enovation in Bristol and Bath.
When was your firm founded and who by?
was originally founded by im perring in . im had worked as a multi trade builder, site manager and working foreman for over years before deciding to take the plunge and start his own company. Two of his sons, a carpenter ames and a plasterer am oined him. is third son, ndrew perring, became his business partner in after traveling the country for a number of years working as a ualified pro ect manager, delivering multi-million-pound pro ects. With im’s experience and steady, practical approach and ndrew’s knowledge of operations, marketing, sales and technology, this created the perfect combination to not only grow and develop the company but provide outstanding customer focused service with high uality finished work. im, ndrew, ames and am continue to work together, tirelessly striving to ensure they deliver a trusted and open communication relationship with all of their clients and their dream renovation. Their dedication is demonstrated by the multitude of awards that the company has won and the consistent stream of five-star reviews received.
What challenges are your clients facing?
ur clients typically are seeking to find an honest and trustworthy build partner to help them make design and cost-effect decisions to produce the vision they have for the work they wish to undertake on their property. This can be di cult with an abundance of
building companies who each have a different approach and pricing system. t , our focus is on building a strong relationship with each client by providing transparent, accurate pricing and working with our wealth of local connections to deliver the entire ob from an initial idea to design work, all construction work and even landscaping. We specialise in properties that need extra care and attention such as period properties and conservation area buildings where we can add real value.
lients face challenges throughout any building pro ect. ne key challenge is management changes. aking changes throughout the pro ect such as wishing to use different materials or choosing to add additional work. t can be challenging for them to be aware and in control of any cost changes that are incurred. t , our investment in technology means our clients are advantaged in being able to see and sign off their own cost changes in real time and maintain an overview of their pro ect progress including all documentation and correspondence all in one place using our app.
For more:
Leigh Court Business Centre, Bristol BS8 3RA; enquiries@JASbuildingservices.co.uk; 01454506108; www.JASbuildingservices.co.uk
MILLER INDEPENDENT PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Georgie Miller, Owner
Tell us a little about your business
I provide residential letting services across Bristol and surrounding areas to landlords who require an attentive, e cient service.
I provide a wide spectrum of letting services, from tenant find, full management and property maintenance, to pretenancy services - including preparing your property for the rental market.
Did You Know?
I’m a Chartered Engineer, ualified rogramme anager and rivate andlord, with years of experience. This provides me with the compliance & management backbone needed to navigate the rivate ental ector.
What sets you apart from others in your sector?
I set up my lettings business as couldn’t find the attentive service re uired. s a landlord and property investor myself, I have a deep understanding of the issues and have the experience to tackle them. offer a personal, highuality service. understand that every landlord and
property is uni ue. s an independent property manager, I tailor my services to my client’s needs. manage a small number of properties to guarantee the personal service you and your property deserve.
What challenges are your clients facing?
The enters ights Bill will introduce a number of substantial changes to rental regulations including moving tenancy agreements to periodic, and changes to ection fault evictions) and the removal of ection no fault evictions . I’m here to help landlords navigate these changes.
For more: georgie@milleripm.co.uk; 07503 580 864; milleripm.co.uk
“I TAILOR MY SERVICES TO MY CLIENT’S NEEDS. I MANAGE A SMALL NUMBER OF PROPERTIES TO GUARANTEE THE PERSONAL SERVICE YOU AND YOUR PROPERTY DESERVE”
GEORGIE MILLER, Owner
STRANG & CO PROPERTY SEARCH
Charlotte Strang, Founder & Director
Tell us a little about your business
We act exclusively on behalf of purchasers looking to buy or rent in Bristol, Bath, orth omerset and outh loucestershire. s a buying and investor agent, this means we search the entire market including off market opportunities, advise with regards to offer levels, negotiate on a client’s behalf and oversee the transaction through to completion, thus saving our buyers’ time, often money, costly mistakes and stress, in what is often a complex and lengthy process.
and has so much to offer. The strong sense of community stands out for me, with people and businesses all trying to help each other succeed, with the common goal of providing an excellent service for clients.
What challenges are your clients facing?
DID YOU KNOW?
I grew up in Bristol and as a Chartered Surveyor by background, I specialised in valuations and residential development before setting up Strang & Co.
What makes working in Bristol special?
I love that it’s such a diverse city – a jigsaw of individual neighborhoods each with their own character, charm and architectural styles. Bristol is a city which continually changes
The main challenges are a lack of good quality houses on the open market, clients not having the time to invest in their property search and being cautious of either overpaying for a property, or losing out if their offer is too low. This is where I am able to assist by unlocking off market’ opportunities, previewing all potential properties in advance and using over fifteen years’ experience in valuation and negotiation to search, advise and secure a property on the best possible terms.
For more:
charlotte@strangandco.com; 07816 891660; strangandco.com
At Capital Resourcing Group we specialise in connecting high-calibre talent with ambitious organisations across the UK and Europe.
Managed Solutions: Streamlined recruitment process for ongoing hiring needs.
Professional Search: Tailored candidate identification for key positions.
Project-Based Resources: Flexible talent solutions for temporary projects.
We leverage 15+ years of industry expertise and a partnership approach to understand your unique business needs. t: 0117 4509856 e:
BUSINESS SERVICES
TOBY PINN CHARTERED ARTS & ANTIQUES
SURVEYORS
Toby Pinn MRICS, Director
Tell us a little about your business…
We provide RICS valuations of art & antiques and personal property for a variety of purposes in our ‘Home Contents Valuation Report’. These include inheritance tax, insurance, family division, capital gains tax and increasingly for deputyship and attorneyship purposes from entire home contents to individual items.
Did You Know?
Many people assume that we only value art & antiques. Through a network of specialist consultants, we value many varied items and collections. Examples include classic cars and motorcycles, corporate art held in commercial o ces, and more recently valuable artifacts due to be lent between institutions.
Describe your offices
We are based in Channel Court Business Centre on Clevedon’s Hill Road which provides an ideal location to meet clients and discuss their requirements in a relaxed and stylish environment.
How have the last 12 months been for you?
As an RICS regulated art and anti ues valuation firm, the last twelve months have seen a rise in the volume of work and instructions increasingly from further afield, from executors seeking to comply with HMRC’s recommendation to instruct a ualified valuer. ost of our work comes from probate solicitors and lay-executors requiring a contents valuation as part of the application for a grant of probate. Enquiries relating to home contents insurance valuations have also seen an increase.
For more:
Channel Court Business Centre, 8 Hill Road, Clevedon, BS21 7NE; toby@tobypinn.co.uk; 0117 2517251; tobypinn.co.uk
RECRUITMENT
ALEXANDER MAE RECRUITMENT
Sam Notley, Director
Tell us a little about your business
Alexander Mae Recruitment is a Bristol based independent recruitment agency, I work alongside Kim Richens and Sarah Malley and we have always worked in recruitment, in Bristol. We are passionate about getting it right for both our clients who are recruiting and our candidates who are seeking job. It’s ensuring we know exactly what both parties are looking for to create that perfect match.
What makes working in Bristol special?
Bristol is a fantastic city, there is a lot to love about working here. We interview candidates regularly who are moving here as they have visited and fallen in love with Bristol. The architecture, the creativity and the restaurants are fantastic. There is an array of different companies in Bristol, always looking for great people.
What challenges are your clients facing?
Whilst the candidate market
isn’t as busy has it has been post Covid Lockdown it’s very much still a competitive candidate market. Job seekers are moving quickly and salaries are still being increased to keep talent. That’s were we can help – constantly seeking the best talent for our clients and the best jobs for our candidates.
Did you know?
Sam’s a regular on Radio Bristol when they need an expert on recruitment new items.
For more: 13 Orchard Street, Bristol, BS1 5EH; sam@alexandermae.co.uk; 0117 9055035; alexandermae.co.uk
“IT’S VERY MUCH STILL A COMPETITIVE CANDIDATE MARKET. JOB SEEKERS ARE MOVING QUICKLY AND SALARIES ARE STILL BEING INCREASED TO KEEP TALENT”
SAM NOTLEY, Director
CAPITAL RESOURCING GROUP LIMITED
Ben Beesley, Managing Director
Tell us a little about your business…
Capital Resourcing Group is a leading recruitment firm specialising in connecting highcalibre talent with ambitious organisations across the UK and Europe. We leverage 15+ years of industry expertise and a partnership approach to understand your unique business needs.
Our services include:
• Managed Solutions
• Streamlined recruitment process for ongoing hiring needs
• Professional Search,
• Tailored candidate identification for key positions
• Project-Based Resources
• Flexible talent solutions for temporary projects.
What areas do you specialise in?
We specialise in Technology, Transformation, Data & Analytics, Finance, ccountancy, isk & Compliance and Executive Search.
What makes working in Bristol special?
Working in Bristol, is special for several reasons, as the city has a unique blend of creativity, innovation, and quality of life that makes it an attractive place for professionals across various industries. Bristol is
one of the UK’s leading tech cities, especially renowned for sectors such as aerospace, robotics, software development, and digital media.
Bristol is also home to two major universities: University of Bristol and University of the West of England (UWE). These institutions have strong research programs and industry partnerships, which attract talent and drive innovation in sectors like engineering, medical sciences, and environmental studies.
Did you Know?
Capital Resourcing Group are currently the main shirt sponsor for the Bristol Flyers Women’s Basketball team. Supporting women’s sports and investing in the next generation of leaders are important values for our company.
For more:
Address: Unit 6 The Sanctuary 62 Macrae Road, Bristol, BS20 0DD; ben.beesley@thecrgroup.co.uk; 07766 494355; thecrgroup.co.uk
“WE LEVERAGE 15+ YEARS OF INDUSTRY EXPERTISE AND A PARTNERSHIP APPROACH TO UNDERSTAND YOUR UNIQUE BUSINESS NEEDS”
H2R SELECTION
Richard Freke Managing director
Tell us a little about your business…
We are Bristol-based consultants providing a comprehensive range of HR services and Recruitment support to small, medium and large sized businesses.
Tell us about your community/charity involvement…
We have raised over k for various charities including The British Heart Foundation, Billy Chip, Children’s Hospice Southwest and Young Bristol. iving back to others and supporting the local community & charities is high on our agenda for 2025.
What sets you apart from others in your sector?
H2R stands for ‘Hire to Retire’. What stands us out from others is the fact that we stay with businesses and candidates throughout their entire journey and build long lasting relationships that last a lifetime. We are also super proud of all the Awards that we have won and been nominated for over the years.
Did You Know?
We have been operating for 8 years this year but have over 70 years’ worth of HR & Recruitment experience between us!
For more: Regus, 5th Floor, Broad Quay House, Prince St, Bristol BS1 4DJ; richard@h2rselection.co.uk; 0117 2141550; h2rselection.co.uk
BEN BEESLEY, Managing
Director
always good to be prepared.
Having the right inheritance tax planning in place can ensure you pass on as much wealth as possible to your beneficiaries. We can help! Contact us today to find out how we can help you with your inheritance tax planning.
Estate Planning and Inheritance Tax Planning are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Approver Quilter Wealth Limited, Quilter Financial Limited, Quilter Financial Services
& Quilter Mortgage Planning. October 2023
MELLA RECRUITMENT
Abigail Burland, Director/Founder
Tell us a little about your business…
Founded in 2022. At Mella Recruitment, we pride ourselves on being more than just a recruitment agency – we aim to be a strategic partner. Specialising in a consultative and personalized approach, we work closely with businesses to understand their unique needs and goals, acting as an extension of their internal team. Our hands-on, face-toface methodology ensures that we get to know a company culture, values, and vision, enabling us to find candidates that are not only highly ualified but also the perfect fit for the team dynamics. We don’t just fill roles; we foster growth by helping build long-lasting, highperforming teams. What sets Mella apart is our commitment to creating deep, lasting relationships with our clients. We grow with them, anticipating their recruitment needs as their business evolves. Whether it’s scaling a startup or expanding an established company, we’re with them every step of the way. Our tailored approach ensures that we deliver not only exceptional
talent but also strategic insights that help an organisation thrive in an ever-competitive market.
Tell us about your community/charity involvement…
DID YOU KNOW…
Mella takes its name from the Latin for ‘honey’. We’re inspired by the tireless work ethic of bees, how they come together and collaborate to reach a shared goal.
We partner with a CIC called Community Of Purpose. We volunteer our time with their break free program and we also donated towards their ‘Driving Bristol Forward’ campaign so they could purchase a new van to transport children and resources around Bristol for the Break free program to tackle holiday hunger.
How have the last 12 months been for you?
The past 12 months have been our most successful yet! We’re fortunate to have built strong relationships with incredible clients who now exclusively use our services across their entire business. It’s been a year of growth, achievements, and collaboration, and we couldn’t be prouder. What excites us the most is that we’re not just hitting milestones – we’re truly enjoying the journey. We’re looking forward to what next year has in store as we continue building on this momentum.
For more: abbie@mellarecruitment.co.uk; 07748981892; mellarecruitment.co.uk
LEGAL
AMD SOLICITORS
Grant McCall,
Director and Company Commercial Solicitor
Tell us a little about your business...
We are an independent Bristol law firm providing a broad range of legal services for private clients and business owners. Our core services are split between private client (wills, powers of attorney and probate), family law, property law (residential and commercial) and company and commercial law. This balance allows us to provide our services to meet a client’s first need for a solicitor right through to advising corporate clients on larger transactional work. When was your firm founded and who by? We are proud to celebrate our history as one of the first firms of Bristol Solicitors operating outside of the City Centre. Originally A T Elliot & Co since 1953, we are the longest standing independent firm of solicitors in Henleaze. We have since grown to o ces in Bristol and now provide a full range of legal services to businesses and individuals in Bristol, London and nationwide.
Tell us about your community/charity involvement very year we ask staff to nominate their charity of the year, after nominations have been received we ask staff to vote on which charity they wish to support. This year our charity of the year is, BAKPA (Bristol Area Kidney Patients
Association). They are a small Bristol based charity who provide essential care for renal patients and their families going through di cult times. All proceeds raised goes directly to the Richard Bright Renal Unit at Southmead Hospital.
Did you know… We have team of highly competitive bakers in our ranks. The AMD Halloween bake off is coming soon where all proceeds raised go to our charity of the year. Stay tuned to our website for photos of the spooky treats!
For more: info@amdsolicitors.com; 0117 962 1205; amdsolicitors.com
BUCKLES LAW
Kerry Graham, Partner and Head of Family Department
South West Group
Tell us a little about your business
Buckles Law is a nationally recognised, full-service firm. We believe in putting our clients at the heart of every decision we make and everything we do, and our expert legal teams can provide tailored advice to you, your family, and your business from o ces in Bristol, Cambridge, London, Nottingham, Peterborough, Stamford and Swindon.
the Bristolian people. Bristol is a popular city because there is something for everyone, and that is part of the magic working in Bristol.
How have the last 12 months been for you?
DID YOU KNOW?
We are actively taking steps towards building a more sustainable law firm with an emphasis on the environment, community and charity as demonstrated by recently winning the Green Apple Award.
What makes working in Bristol special?
Bristol is a vibrant, warm, welcoming city with a strong economy mixed with a diverse culture and an independent spirit. know this firsthand as I came to Bristol in 1993 from Northern Ireland and, like the majority of people who visit or study in Bristol, I fell in love with the city, its diversity and
It has been a challenging and rewarding year building the Buckles brand in the South West and growing our already established and respected family team nationally. We are still growing and learning with exciting times ahead for the whole team. In terms of work, our clients are high net worth individuals and the majority of our work comes from recommendations which keep on coming so we know we are doing a good job. The last year has seen successful outcomes for our clients and recognition that not only are we are a great family team but we are also a firm to watch in the outh West.
For more:
Queen Square House, 18-21 Queen Square, Bristol BS1 4NH; Kerry.Graham@buckles-law.co.uk; 0117 332 9548; buckles-law.co.uk
WARDS SOLICITORS
Jenny Pierce, Managing Partner
Tell us a little about your business… Wards is a friendly, forwardthinking law firm, with o ces in Bristol and the outh West. We’re known for our professional, down to earth approach, and also for our excellent client care - all our lawyers take pride in bringing the highest standards of expertise and commitment to their work. More than 80% of our workforce is female and we have high levels of retention with people joining us and staying because they like the culture. We’re also proud of our strong ties with the communities we work in – last year we won the Bristol Law Society’s award for Best Community Firm for all our fundraising and CSR work which was amazing.
What sets you apart from others in your sector?
Wards has one of the largest and most respected Wills, Probate and Mental Capacity teams in the area. We’re not a big corporate firm but four of our teams – Family, Contentious Probate, Personal Injury, and Personal Tax, Wills and Probate, have just been recommended in the 2025 Legal 500 Guide - a fantastic achievement.
Did you know?
2025 is our 120th anniversary, and it’s an exciting time for the firm. We’re about to open a new o ce in lifton, and our brand new Bristol o ce hub will be opening in 2025.
For more: Wards Solicitors LLP, 52 Broad Street, Bristol BS1 2EP; 0117 929 2811; wards.uk.com
CO-WORKING
DESKLODGE
Jamie Ellis, Managing Director
Tell us a little about your business…
esk odge is a serviced o ce and coworking space operator providing space for SME’s, teams and solo workers to thrive and succeed.
What makes working in Bristol special?
Bristol is a vibrant city full of creatives, amazing businesses, entrepreneurs (and fast becoming a hub for the tech industry). We build feel-good, vibrant, creative workspaces that get the brain cells stimulated and positive energy owing, so Bristol was the perfect choice for DeskLodge. Our community of DeskLodgers is at the heart of everything we do, and the friendly people and teams of Bristol fully embrace our amazing team and services we offer.
What sets you apart from others in your sector?
DID YOU KNOW…
In the last two years we’ve won 10 awards, been shortlisted for many others and been listed as one of the best small businesses in the UK on the Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Work’ List.
oing to work the o ce becomes a memorable experience with us, whether you’re at our DeskLodge House location, 2minutes Temple Meads train station, or Beacon Tower, in the heart of the city. We’re talking customisable private o ces, super-fast WIFI, printing, unlimited tea and coffee, sparkling water, air con, popup events, our famous monthly socials, fruit and sweet days, a caring team and much, much more. We pride ourselves on offering the biggest mix of workspaces and different work zones to cater to everyone; the mission being to ensure everyone has a happy and productive day at work, doing their best work.
For more:
DeskLodge House, 2 Redcliffe Way, Bristol, BS1 6NL; jamie.ellis@desklodge.com; 0117 325 8259; desklodge.com
SQUARE WORKS
Kevin Vowles, Head of Community
Tell us a little about your business…
Located in the elegant neighbourhood of Clifton, Square Works is Bristol’s leading workspace, offering the only high-end serviced o ces and co-working space with a private members’ club in the city.
Square Works is a dynamic environment for businesses and individuals in any industry. We provide bespoke exible membership packages, whether you’re looking for a short-term hot-desk or a private o ce for your whole team. We also have a range of meeting rooms and presentation spaces, equipped with video conferencing systems, Panasonic HD TVs, 4K projectors and complimentary refreshments.
Members can enjoy the perfect work-life balance through regular networking events, a fitness suite, an award-winning cocktail bar and restaurant at The Square Club, as well as access to our boutique hotel and luxury suites.
Did You Know?
Square Works is part of Quarter, an independent Bristol-based hospitality group with over 60 years of experience in the industry.
Tell us about your community involvement… We host quarterly charity
weeks, combining events like ra es, ui es and sports days to raise money for charities chosen by our members. We also have a long-standing partnership with The Grand Appeal, Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity. We put together activity packs and decorate gift bags that are delivered to patients at the BRI.
What sets you apart from others in your sector?
There is a lot that makes Square Works unique, but our biggest assets go beyond fast Wifi and state-of-theart meeting rooms. From discounted rates in our hotels to free venue hire at The Square lub, members can benefit from every aspect of our wellestablished hospitality group.
For more:
squareworksbristol.com; 17-19 Berkeley Square, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1HB; 0117 322 6635; hello@squareworksbristol.com; Social Media: @squareworksbristol
“MEMBERS CAN ENJOY THE PERFECT WORKLIFE BALANCE THROUGH REGULAR NETWORKING EVENTS, A FITNESS SUITE, AN AWARD-WINNING COCKTAIL BAR AND RESTAURANT AT THE SQUARE CLUB”
KEVIN VOWLES, Head of Community
FINANCIAL
INTEGRITY365, INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISERS
Matt Goy, CEO
Tell us a little about your business… Integrity365, founded in Bristol, offers tailored, independent financial advice to individuals, families, business owners and corporate organisations, building trusted client relationships to last generations.
Did you know… of the avoid discussing their finances with others oney and ension ervice, . owever, talking about your finances with family, friends, or a trusted financial adviser can provide valuable insights and support, helping you make informed decisions and have a greater understanding of your circumstances.
What areas do you specialise in?
We have specialists in retirement planning, investments, mortgages, tax planning, financial protection, later life planning and workplace pension schemes. We can offer a complimentary, no-obligation consultation with one of our trusted local advisers to explore your financial planning needs, discuss your goals and determine how we can best assist you on
your financial ourney.
What challenges are your clients facing?
t this time of year, client concerns surrounding the utumn Budget are highly prevalent, with many currently focused on nheritance Tax, pensions, apital ains Tax and intergenerational wealth planning. lso, as peak tax planning season approaches, many are eager to optimise their financial strategies ahead of the new tax year beginning in pril.
t ntegrity , we wish to alleviate these worries by providing clients with expert advice they can trust, guiding them through tax-e cient strategies, breaking down the complexities of financial planning to help them gain a greater understanding. ur aim is to give clients confidence in their financial future, e uipping them with the knowledge and planning towards their individual goals.
For more: eling ce, Lower Ledge arm, Doynton Lane, Dyrham, S 1 ; enquiries@integrity .co.uk; 117 1 ; integrity .co.uk
“TALKING ABOUT YOUR FINANCES WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS, OR A TRUSTED FINANCIAL ADVISER CAN PROVIDE VALUABLE INSIGHTS AND SUPPORT”
MATT GOY, CEO
DIGBY ASSOCIATES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Digby Player, Chairman
Tell us a little about your business...
igby ssociates is a Wealth anagement irm based in the heart of Bristol city centre with an additional o ce in heltenham, founded in , we have built our business on a reputation of being the caring advisers.
What makes Digby Associates different?
The average age of a advisers in the is mid to late s, our average is meaning that we can look after you and the future generations for as long as you need us without the worry of having to change firms.
What makes you proud ?
When set the business up, did not imagine how uickly it would grow. What makes me incredibly proud is a great deal of the team have been with the firm for many years developing through the ranks to become
caring and professional advisers. Their loyalty to igby ssociates is very humbling and it is in their to do the best ob possible for the client whilst maintaining the integrity of the firm.
What has fuelled your rapid growth?
ur growth has been created by ac uisitions of business looking to exit the industry however the greatest compliment we can receive are referrals from existing clients, this is a wonderful way to grow the business and is an indication that we are doing things right. We recognise that we are not perfect and will always look to be better.
What does it cost to have a meeting?
The initial meetings are at our expense and often we will have clients that may want a second opinion or a full financial T. We are ust a phone call or email away.
For more: info@digby-associates.co.uk; 117 9 ; digby-associates.co.uk
pprover uilter inancial lanning olutions imited. eptember
JON CRAIG
DEFINING EXCELLENCE
Assembling the largest gathering of entrepreneurs in the
region, the EntreConf
success stories
Awards celebrated incredible local
– and as Greg Ingham explains, we had a little help from a certain iconic airplane…
YOU HAD ME AT BOOOOOOMMMMM!
When Concorde’s sonic boom shudder-reverberated at the start of the EntreConf Awards, as we sat beneath that potent symbol of the audacity of dreaming, it was clear that these awards were not going to be quite the standard fare.
Aerospace Bristol was chosen deliberately. Concorde represents the vision, boldness and singularity of entrepreneurial inventiveness, of making an impossibility possible. et it is also a fine conse uence of collaboration: England and France, public and private companies, engineering and art – signalling the partnerships between entrepreneurs and professional services which the awards also celebrated.
The evening started with an impossibility. Many will be familiar with business reviews: Q1 report and analysis, Q2 previews and expectation-setters.
Well (a modest conceptual leap coming) this century is nearing the end of its first uarter. o (impossible ask coming) how about a Q1 review and a Q2 preview of the 21st century? Technologically,
societally; key events; work pattern changes; looming opportunities – all through the lens of entrepreneurs..?
Oh, and in 15 minutes.
Rising to that challenge, without missing a beat but with dexterous aplomb, was Microsoft’s director of digital strategy, Richard Potter. And yes, that job title is well worth reading again.
Quite the canvas. It took in a deft explanation of quantum computing and citations, from IBM’s founder to Microsoft’s own former CEO, and included this perceptive observation from Karim Lakhani of Harvard Business chool won’t replace humans – but humans with AI will replace humans without AI”.
Not, indeed, your average awards fare, but an adrenaline shot of cerebral stimulation to jumpstart a night as memorable as that Concorde sonic boom.
The Awards were a celebration of entrepreneurialism throughout the region, across multiple sectors and at various sizes and stages of business, memorably co-hosted by Elly Rowley – leader of the NatWest Accelerator. You can see the winners on page 86 – and winners matter of
course, always. Many remarkable companies and individuals are highlighted: all are worth checking out via their sites and socials.
Perhaps the most remarkable was r sel artbaeva and nsiliTech life-changing, potentially worldchanging vaccine technology created here in Bristol and at Bath University
Perhaps the most joyous was the evening’s culminating winner, the Entrepreneur of the Year. Make that Entrepreneurs: the judges chose two manda and ick picer of our co. ur udges said, ndivisibly excellent. uch drive, vision, execution capability and prospects
all powered by this utterly dynamic duo. There’s a surging restlessness here. Bravo!”
Yet as well as this unrivalled celebration, the awards were ultimately about connections. Theory is, gather hundreds of smart people in one place at one time, highlight scores of successes – and great things can happen.
Connections matter. Happenstance encounters can have profound consequences. Deep and seemingly enduring were the connections made at the EntreConf Awards…
ENTREPRENEURS
GET TO SET THEIR OWN TRAJECTORY, to create their worlds as they wish, from their half-hunches and blank sheets of paper to worked-through ideas. nd they get to define success on their own terms.
Usually, that is. Not wholly so at the Awards though, where the ultimate success of winning an ntre onf ward was defined by our panel of judges and awards to the business dreamers, creators, those running and building their own businesses.
And their businesses, like a certain piece of aviation technology, are boooooming… www.entreconf.com/awards-home
ENTRECONF AT A GLANCE
WHAT Platform for the region’s entrepreneurs CONFERENCE EntreConf returns June 18-19, Watershed. Headline partner Burges Salmon YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS EntreConf Go, November 14, 1.30-7pm, Arnolfini (and November 19 Komedia in Bath) AWARDS EntreConf Awards, September 2025, Aerospace Bristol, headline partner Cazenove Capital DINNERS Bespoke gatherings of 70 entrepreneurs ALL INFO entreconf.com CONTACT claudia.butler@mediaclash.co.uk
Assembled beneath the wings of Concorde; INSET: Co-host Elly Rowley
Photos by @JonCraig_Photos
BRISTOL & CLIFTON’S PREMIER COMMERCIAL
Keep up-to-date with our latest news, deals, testimonials and market comment at our website: www.burstoncook.co.uk
Whiteladies Road, Clifton FOR SALE – POA
4,300 sq ft (399.47 sq m)
A rare freehold opportunity comprising high-quality office accommodation but with excellent potential for alternative commercial uses or residential conversion. Benefiting from a large forecourt to the front and courtyard garden to the rear.
Griffin House, Clevedon TO LET / FOR SALE
5,176 – 10,351 sq ft
(480.85 – 961.61 sq m)
A substantial, modern office providing accommodation over ground and first floors due to be refurbished. New lease available. Alternatively, the freehold is available to purchase with Vacant Possession.
Shore House, Westbury on Trym TO LET – POA
2,710 sq ft (251.76 sq m)
A bright and airy, open plan office situated on Westbury Hill within a stones throw of a range of local amenities. The space benefits from spacious meeting room and 7 car parking spaces.
Amberley Hall Day Nursery, BS8 FOR SALE – POA
3,091 sq ft (287.16 sq m)
An exceptional freehold opportunity in the heart of Clifton, just a short walk from Durdham Downs offering a prime business location or opportunity for residential conversion subject to planning consent.
Whiteladies Road, Clifton TO LET – POA
1,276 sq ft (119 sq m)
A spacious Class E unit on a popular pitch bordering Redland and Clifton. The property is positioned amongst bustling shops and restaurants with high footfall and is an exceptional site for either retail or office use.
Queen Square, Bristol, BS1 TO LET – POA
326 – 2,099 sq ft (30 - 195 sq m)
A charming, self-contained office which is due to be refurbished and benefits from 2 allocated car parking spaces. Use Class E therefore suitable for different uses to include offices, medical etc.
Paintworks, BS4 FOR SALE – POA
7,929 sq ft (736.6 sq m)
An iconic, landmark building in the heart of the Paintworks development, providing accommodation over ground and three upper floors. Finished to a very high specification, to include auditorium, lift, high quality M & E and 8 car parking spaces.
High Street Thornbury TO LET - £30,000 pax
2,464 sq ft (229.93)
An attractive open-plan commercial unit suitable for offices or retail use, recently refurbished and providing a blank canvas for a new tenant to fit out. Situated on the busy High Street in Thornbury with one allocated car parking space to the rear.
Whiteladies Road, Clifton TO LET – £17,750 PAX
1,027 sq ft (95.44 sq m)
A ground floor retail shop with glazed frontage prominently positioned at the top of Whiteladies Road and next to Clifton Downs benefitting from basement storage one parking space.
Stute House, Clifton FOR SALE - POA
2,783 sq ft (286 sq m)
An attractive coach house currently in use as offices providing accommodation over two floors. The property benefits from double garage and offers potential for a range of alternative uses (STP).
Julian Cook
ELEVATE YOUR BUSINESS
New boutique development PORTWALL LOFTS offers a workspace to inspire
Imagine offering your team a workspace that combines historic elegance with modern luxury while greeting your clients in an environment that reflects the prestige of your business. That’s the reality at Portwall Lofts, Bristol’s most exclusive boutique office space. Housed in a meticulously restored Victorian red brick warehouse, Portwall Lofts is a space that will lift productivity, inspire creativity, and mirror the high standards of your company.
AN ENTRANCE THAT IMPRESSES
First impressions matter. Portwall Lofts makes a statement from the moment you walk through the private entrance. The lobby’s sumptuous velvet banquette, authentic Crittall windows and terrazzo floor tiles exude sophistication. Antique bronze finishes add a timeless charm, impressing clients and visitors alike.
AN INSPIRING WORK ENVIRONMENT
Inside, the workspace fosters productivity and collaboration. The grand vaulted timber frame ceiling and natural wood floors create a bright, airy atmosphere with natural light flooding through lofty windows. The flexible layout lends itself naturally to breakout areas, meeting spaces, and workstations, allowing the environment to be tailored to suit your team’s needs. Every detail is designed to enhance wellbeing and inspire.
FLEXIBLE LEASING OPTIONS
Portwall Lofts offers flexibility to suit your business’s unique needs. The two expansive
floors, totalling 5,671 square feet, can be let independently or together. Leasing both floors provides a self-contained environment with a private entrance, and the opportunity of your business branding on the high profile and elegant Victorian elevation fronting Portwall Lane, as well as amenities such as showers, lockers and secure bike storage, that would be exclusively yours.
A PRIME LOCATION FOR BUSINESS
Perfectly located at One Portwall Lane in Redcliffe, Portwall Lofts places your business at the heart of Bristol’s vibrant commercial district. Just a five-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads railway station, it offers unparalleled convenience for travel. Secure indoor bike storage caters to green commuting. During breaks, you can explore the green space of Queen Square, lunch at the independent restaurants of Wapping Wharf, or just enjoy the bustle of Bristol Harbourside. The location presents endless temptations for team bonding and client entertainment.
COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability is paramount at Portwall Lofts, which holds an EPC A rating and BREEAM Excellent accreditation. The workspace features solar panels, low-flow water appliances, and energy-efficient LED lighting. High-end heating, cooling, and ventilation systems ensure a comfortable environment year-round while reducing your company’s carbon footprint and energy costs.
EXCLUSIVE AND AUTONOMOUS
Portwall Lofts offers complete autonomy with a private entrance and branded signage if both floors are let together. This self-contained space includes all necessary amenities, from showers and lockers to secure bike storage. The flexible workspace layout can be customized to meet your business’s unique requirements. If the floors are let separately, each business will enjoy an exclusive, inspiring workspace designed to enhance productivity.
YOUR NEW BUSINESS HOME
Choosing Portwall Lofts means positioning your business in a prestigious, inspiring, and sustainable environment. The blend of historic charm, modern luxury, and eco-friendly design makes Portwall Lofts the ideal choice for forwardthinking busineses. n
Discover Portwall Lofts Today
Ready to elevate your business to new heights?
Visit www.portwalllofts.co.uk or contact our letting agents, Hannah Waterhouse at 07855 414570, and Roxine Foster at 07834 626024, to book your tour. See firsthand how Portwall Lofts can become the new home for your business in the heart of Bristol.
PPRE-NUPTIAL AGREEMENTS
Get to know the basics with Kerry Graham from BUCKLES LAW
lanning a wedding, though sometimes stressful, is often one of the most fulfilling and bonding experiences a couple can have. While rewarding and exciting in equal measure, there is one step in the planning process which many overlook simply because they are caught up in the first flushes of love and don’t want to even consider what would happen if there were rockier times ahead.
Contrary to popular belief, prenuptial agreements are not just for high-net-worth individuals or celebrities; they can offer security and peace of mind to people from all kinds of backgrounds, and specifically to those entering into their second or third marriages following a previous divorce or bereavement.
In second or third marriages, parties are far more likely to have already amassed some level of personal wealth during their life, and they are also more likely to have children from a previous relationship. In these instances, it’s only natural for parties to want to protect the assets they bring into the marriage, especially if there is an imbalance in wealth between them.
HOW DO PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS WORK?
A prenuptial agreement outlines how assets brought into a marriage will be divided in the event of a divorce. While these agreements are legally drafted and signed by both parties, they are not strictly binding. However, recent rulings have given prenuptial agreements more weight in family courts, and are often upheld unless found to have been unfairly created or producing unjust results.
For a prenuptial agreement to hold up in court, several factors are considered. Both parties must have willingly agreed to and signed the agreement, with independent legal advice sought beforehand. Full disclosure of assets by both parties is also required. If either party was pressured into signing, or if the agreement was created less than 21 days before the wedding, it may not be valid.
It is also important to periodically review and update such an agreement to reflect changes in financial or personal circumstances such as the birth of a child or the receipt of an inheritance. If left outdated, a court may deem the agreement unfair.
“ CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS ARE NOT JUST FOR HIGH-NET-WORTH
OR
”
Common details included in prenuptial agreements are the assets each party owns, how the family home will be treated in a divorce, responsibility for debts incurred during the marriage, provisions for children from previous relationships, and any changes in circumstance, such as the birth of a child.
The agreement must be signed by two independent witnesses, one for each party, who are over 18 and not related to either party. Legal advice is crucial when drafting and signing such agreements, as while they are not automatically legally binding, those
which haven’t followed proper protocols are more likely to be challenged in court and may result in an unsatisfactory division of assets.
Should you wish to explore your options with regard to drafting a prenuptial agreement in the run-up to your wedding, the dedicated team at Buckles would be happy to lend you their expertise. n
Kerry Graham – 0117 332 9548; Kerry.Graham@buckles-law.co.uk Queen Square House, 18-21 Queen Square, Bristol BS1 4NH www.buckles-law.co.uk
Speaker enquiries: holly.glover@mediaclash.co.uk
PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT
We offer a wide range of Apple Mac hardware repair and upgrade, and software support services, support for Apple and other Cloud services and applications, Wi-Fi networking, data backup strategies, etc.
Services are tailored to meet the unique needs of every customer, with sustainability and re-use at the heart. Refer to our web site for the full range of services available
Now providing IASME Certification Support
Contact Us: 07590 695 606
macservices@macaroonassociatesltd.co.uk www.macaroonmacservices.co.uk
TIME FOR A CHANGE?
FT CHRONIC PAIN SOLICITORS is an award-winning personal injury law firm based in the South West changing lives and making a difference
Alaw firm like no other, FT Chronic Pain was founded by two lawyers Anne Felmingham and Paul Turner who set up their personal injury practice placing clients at the heart of everything they do. They bring over 40 years of experience of personal injury law, with expertise in chronic pain and serious injury claims.
Since setting up in practice they have received an abundance of calls from clients with the common theme being change, seeking to transfer their claim from their current lawyers to FT Chronic Pain.
“ANNE AND PAUL ARE A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH AND PROVIDE A NURTURING AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR THEIR CLIENTS”
The top five reasons given for calling Paul and Anne are:
1. They could never get their lawyer on the phone.
2. Waiting several days, sometimes weeks for a call back or a response to an email.
3. They have been transferred internally from case handler to case handler.
4. They don’t think their lawyer cares or understands their condition or the impact their injuries have had on them.
5. They feel lost in the system and their lawyer only sees them as a number rather than a person.
Many people do not realise they have a choice to move their claim. In fact, the feedback when a claim is moved to Anne and Paul is compelling: “The difference between FTCP and my previous solicitors is night and day,” says client Andy Shaw.
One client who transferred their claim to FT Chronic Pain was told by their solicitors to accept £20,000, and after transferring their case the claim eventually settled for £2.4 million.
Anne and Paul are a force to be reckoned with and provide a nurturing and supportive environment for their clients to give them the best chance to get their lives back on track.
If you believe it might be time for a change, give FT Chronic Pain a call. If Paul and Anne can help, they will. n
Contact 0800 9991078 www.ftchronicpain.co.uk
Listen to our podcast with the Unnoticed Entrepreneur: www.theunnoticed.cc/episode/from-underdogto-impact-how-ft-chronic-pain-solicitors-isdisrupting-personal-injury-law
