Earlier this year I became a member of the Bristol Junior Chamber, the city’s networking organisation for young professionals which brings together individuals from many of the key firms and organisations across the region.

After having met some BJC members through friends who waxed lyrical about it, I presented the Chamber’s prominent role in organising projects (such as the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta!) and building connections within the city to the Purplefish team which kindly supported me joining the organisation.

Founded in 1948, the Chamber is guided by a number of positive objectives which include, for example: promoting trade, commerce and industry; to contribute to the agenda developed by Business West and the West of England Initiative; and to provide experience in the procedure and conducting of business meetings and opportunity to acquire and develop other business skills.

The BJC certainly provides a vibrant calendar of education, skills, charity, and volunteering programmes and events. It also works hard to support the development of projects in Bristol across business and enterprise, education and training, heritage and culture, international exchanges and influencing.

Since joining, I’ve attended a number of events, from the monthly meetings at a variety of locations in Bristol (the Royal West of England Academy in May or wine tasting at Avery’s in August, for example) to climbing the rigging of the ss Great Britain (pictured above, genuinely me) with the Hannover Chamber whose members were visiting on exchange.

As a relatively new Bristol citizen (coming up to two years, still the best decision ever…), the Bristol Junior Chamber has been absolutely fantastic for meeting likeminded professionals, exploring more of the wonders of the city and getting involved in activities that I otherwise would never have known about or considered being part of.

It’s also been hugely beneficial for developing networking skills, providing the opportunity to learn about different businesses in Bristol and the South West, and to speak to others about the amazing work we do supporting such businesses at Purplefish.

I’m really enjoying being a part of the organisation, I’ve met some great new people and I’m looking forward to what’s in the diary for the rest of the year. The Bristol Junior Chamber is open to all business-minded people below the age of 40 and I would thoroughly recommend becoming a member if you’re looking to get involved in the community through exciting projects, learn more about the businesses that make the city tick and the individuals behind them, and also have a bit of a laugh! Head to the Chamber’s website to find out more.