The Institute of Directors has moved its South West regional headquarters to the Bristol & Bath Science Park.
IoD director general Simon Walker visited the new offices where he met regional IoD representatives including South West chairman Richard Ayre, South West director Simon Face and regional staff, along with the Bristol & Bath Science Park’s chief executive Bonnie Dean.
Mr Walker, who has led the 38,000-member Institute since October 2011, said: “I’m delighted that the IoD now has a base at this hugely impressive science park.
“It’s an influential and aspirational environment that allows business to be done in a very modern manner. It’s accessible, dynamic, high-profile and well established. Our members and associates can look forward to a very warm welcome here.”
Following the visit, Simon Walker spoke to business people and students at UWE Bristol.
IoD South West chairman Richard Ayre said: “A key aim in the South West is to broaden and increase membership of the IoD across the region. The office move will help us achieve that – the Science Park has a genuinely exciting mix of businesses and being situated within this hub is entirely appropriate.
“On our members’ behalf we influence at the highest level and that will continue as we play a key role in moving the region towards becoming a brighter economic place. It’s an exciting time to be with the IoD South West.”
The IoD has taken offices in the Science Park’s Innovation Centre. An official launch is planned in late April. Its previous base was in Bristol city centre’s Orchard Street Business Centre where an IoD members’ room will remain open until March 22.
Science Park chief executive Bonnie Dean said: “We are very pleased to welcome the IoD. It will be extremely beneficial to our tenants to have access to the IoD’s expertise, influence and economic insight.
“The South West region has one of the highest percentages of owner-founded and operated businesses in the country. We hope that being located here will help the IoD continue to expand its already impressive membership base.”
The South West is one of the IoD’s most active regions, with more than 2,500 members across Bath and Wiltshire, Bristol, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Somerset.
It hosts a major annual awards scheme, business events such as company visits, breakfasts and lunches, and gatherings which focus on networking.
Pictured: IoD director general Simon Walker, third from left, in the organisation’s new South West regional office at the Bristol & Bath Science Park with, from left, IoD South West director Simon Face, Science Park chief executive Bonnie Dean and Science Park Innovation Centre director Richard Pitkin
