Bristol is one of the most ‘unequal’ cities in the UK, with 12% of its residents relying on food banks weekly and experiencing food insecurity.

The Anti-Banquet is a brand new event on 29th February 2024, inviting Bristol businesses to purchase tables for local charities and worthy causes, whilst their bosses roll their sleeves up in the kitchen. It is the brainchild of Josh Eggleton and his community food company Team Canteen, with the aim to create a sustainable revenue source for Bristol’s food charities and organisations trying to eliminate food poverty in the city.

You can donate a table to one of the excellent local causes helping communities tackle food insecurity, or give your table to team members who would appreciate an incredible night out. Bosses from sponsoring companies will be invited to join the kitchen team or serve the guests as a member of the front of house team.

Presented by Bristolian legends Jayde Adams and Joe Sims, the banquet scene will be turned on its head, with around 700 attendees, including emergency service personnel, charity workers, and those who rarely have the opportunity to attend gatherings, will be invited to Ashton Gate for the Anti Banquet.

Bristol’s most exciting chefs will take charge of the kitchen, preparing a delectable dinner for the guests. Bristol’s Josh Eggleton will work alongside Peter Sanchez Iglesias, who runs two of Bristol’s most renowned restaurants; Michelin-starred Paco Tapas and Casa and Ben Harvey, who is the executive chef at Bianchis and Pasta Loco. Cornwall’s Jude Kereama will join the line up, famous from his appearance on four series of the Great British Menu, reaching the final in 2021. Celebrity chef Simon Rimmer, perhaps best known as one half of the presenting team for Channel 4’s long-running Sunday Brunch will complete the kitchen line up, alongside the city’s CEOs. Pastry chef, Hannah Cately, who featured on Channel 4’s Bake Off: The Professionals will also join the impressive line-up.

Team Canteen have curated an unforgettable lineup of comedy, music, and entertainment, featuring some of Bristol’s finest talents, including the Invisible Circus. Expect an immersive experience, transforming Ashton Gates hospitality suites into an evening of spectacle and sparkle.

The event has so far gathered support from sponsors such as Bristol Beer Factory and Arthur David.

With half the tables sold already – join the city’s leading businesses in supporting our city’s most vulnerable.

To get involved, buy a table for your team or donate one to a charity or worthy cause of your choice visit www.antibanquet.co.uk.

Are you interested in learning Unreal Engine?
– Do you want to advance your career in the creative tech industries or are looking to enter the creative tech industries?
– Do you live or work in the Bristol/ Bath area?
– Do you identify as being from a group or groups currently under represented in the creative tech industries?

If yes, please check out the details of the new 3 day MyWorld Introduction to Unreal Engine Training course – its free of charge but you need to sign up to be considered for a place by 09:00 on Monday 11 December.

Its running on 27th Feb, 28th Feb and 1st March at the University of Bristol, Clifton campus, Bristol.

For more details click below!

Are you interested in learning Unreal Engine?
– Do you want to advance your career in the creative tech industries or are looking to enter the creative tech industries?
– Do you live or work in the Bristol/ Bath area?
– Do you identify as being from a group or groups currently under represented in the creative tech industries?

If yes, please check out the details of the new 3 day MyWorld Introduction to Unreal Engine Training course – its free of charge but you need to sign up to be considered for a place by 09:00 on Monday 11 December.

Its running in January 2024 on 3rd, 4th 5th at University of Bath Spa, Newton Park campus, Bath

Then it will be repeated on 27th Feb, 28th Feb and 1st March at the University of Bristol, Clifton campus, Bristol

For more details and to sign up click below!

In this session, Meg Lovell will work through a set of strategies for tackling those awful “there’s an unexploded bomb in my inbox” moments we’ve all faced, using well-tested negotiation techniques to help you navigate potential conflicts to achieve an outcome that suits you.

From uncomfortable conversations around raising fees, to responding to the client with the ever-expanding brief, we all regularly face conflict situations in business that can be the difference between making or losing money, or a functional or frustrating working relationship.  In this online talk, we will work through communication methods to address these situations both proactively and reactively, giving you a blueprint for action the next time a tricky situation arises.

By the end of this session you will:

Who is it for?

This session is for anyone working in the creative sector, from graduates to seasoned professionals. The techniques and strategies discussed will apply equally to those just starting out who need to advocate for themselves, to freelancers and agency owners dealing with demanding clients and challenging colleagues.

Tickets

Tickets are priced at £20 +VAT for BCI members, and £35 +VAT for non-members. Book your place below!

If you’re not yet a member of Bristol Creative Industries and would like to take advantage of this event, you can sign up here. You can also read about the membership benefits here.

About Meg Lovell

Meg is a photographer and videographer specialising in commercial and editorial photography featuring those working in the creative industries.  In a former life, she was a corporate lawyer and senior corporate development professional delivering strategy, project management, and legal advice. She now leverages her decade-plus corporate and negotiating expertise to support creative businesses with both visuals and strategy.

> Website:  www.meglovellphoto.co.uk

> LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/meg-lovell-b7347916a

9 years ago Ryan accepted a role to join Dan Fallon and team at a small independent PPC agency in Bath called SearchStar.

Over the course of the next 5 years the team grew from 18 to 60, they multiplied revenue by 4 times, retained profitability levels and successfully sold to a Global Localisation company.

In this breakfast talk, Ryan will share some of the key lessons learnt during that rapid period of growth and answer the most common questions he’s asked about that time. He may also briefly tell us about some of the more interesting things that happened after the acquisition too.

This session is aimed at anyone within our membership who is interested in growing their organisation, agency owners, managers within agencies and those considering selling their business.

> Register here!

About Ryan

Ryan has worked in senior positions within Marketing Agencies for his entire career. Now, as well as working as a Conversion Optimisation Consultant (improving clients websites) he advises agencies on how to stimulate growth, develop teams and keep clients happy. As a certified B Corp he’s always interested in speaking to anyone working in purpose driven, sustainably minded organisations. He’s also a self confessed networking addict, so if you fancy a coffee or a pint…..

> See Ryan’s member profile

> Connect on LinkedIn

These Wake Up Call sessions are exclusively for BCI members – register your free place below!

If you’re not yet a member of Bristol Creative Industries and would like to take advantage of this member-only event, you can sign up here. You can also read about the membership perks here.

More about our ‘Wake Up Call’ webinar series

These sessions take place every other Friday morning from 8.30-9am, for the BCI community to share their pearls of wisdom with one another. The half hour webinars will involve a 15 minute presentation followed by a 10 minute facilitated Q&A, with introductions from the BCI team.

Our community is full of such amazing talent so we’re giving members the stage to talk about things that excite them so they can inspire their peers. The sessions will be a mix of expert tips and tricks and case studies – the perfect opportunity to learn something new before the week is out.

Our usual online format is an interactive ‘meeting’ but for this series we’re running webinars so that it’s easy to listen in while prepping for the day ahead or while having your breakfast! Cameras and mics will be off but you can ask your questions through the chat box or submit them beforehand.

Please get in touch with Sian if you’re interested in speaking at a future session.

Falling on the same week as the “saddest day of the year,” our first business breakfast of 2024 is dedicated to spreading positivity, fostering sustainability, and enhancing wellbeing for the creative business community. Discover uplifting success stories and recent advances in sustainability, reminding us that positive change is not only possible but happening right now.

All BCI members are eligible for concessionary rate tickets.

Gain insights and inspiration from the remarkable Mike Barry, Former Marks & Spencer Sustainability Director, as he explores the transformative power of sustainability.

Let go of seasonal gloom and replace it with a burst of energy, optimism, and fresh perspectives for the year ahead alongside a sustainably-sourced breakfast.

Connect with like-minded professionals, cultivate new collaborations, and lay the foundation for a successful and sustainable year.

This event is free to Future Leap members and coworkers, and open to everyone.

Agenda

8am – 8:20am – Breakfast and Networking [Including Virtual Attendee Networking]

8:20am – 8:30am – Welcome and Housekeeping

8:30am – 8:45am – Keynote from Mike Barry

8:45am – 8:55am – Positive Story 1 – Ed Garrett and Issy Cheung, The Discourse – Celebrating the Environmental Impact of Purpose-led Clients (Bubblelife, CEPRO and Frank Water)

8:55am – 9:05am – Positive Story 2 – Peter Smith, Head of Change and Sustainability, Bristol Sport – Project Whitebeam

9:05am – 9:15am – Positive Story 3 (to be announced)

9:15am – 9:45am – Q&A

9:45am – 9:50am – 60 Second Positivity Pitches

9:50am – 9:55am – Close

9:55am – 10:30am – Optional Further Networking [Including Virtual Attendee Networking until 10:10am]

Meet The Speakers!

Mike Barry

Mike is a leader in sustainable change. One of the pioneers of green business in the corporate world he helped to develop, launch and implement Marks and Spencer’s ground-breaking sustainability programme, Plan A. During his career he has shown exceptional drive, integrity and personal resilience throughout periods of management change, takeover battles and challenging trading. He has developed excellent leadership skills and has demonstrated his ambition and passion to build a more sustainable future. Upon leaving M&S he formed mikebarryeco ltd in order to support organisations across society and the economy to deliver sustainable change.

Ed Garrett – Managing Director & Founder
Having worked in the creative industries for over 15 years, and in business development and recruitment roles for nearly 10, Ed brings a unique blend of creativity and commercial expertise to The Discourse.

Ed founded the agency (formerly Garrett Creative) in 2017 and continues to run the business – leading on strategy, growth and design effectiveness. His creative work prior to the agency in electronic music has given him a unique insight into marketing to younger audiences.

Isabella Cheung – Creative Director & Co-Founder
The driving force behind our creative team, Issy continues to take our agency and the organisations we work with to new heights through her love and passion for branding.

A coveted D&AD New Blood Award winner, Issy has worked with brands across the UK and Asia. She specialises in brand strategy, research, design and activation, and brings a level of expertise and drive to the team that continues to be invaluable.

In a world where AI’s influence is undeniable, Future Leap invite you to join us for a thought-provoking exploration of its dynamic role in creative innovation within purpose-led businesses.

We’ll delve into the ethical dimensions of AI in the creative industries, shedding light on the opportunities it presents while addressing its inherent limitations. We will foster a dialogue looking at both the potential and challenges associated with this transformative technology.

We look forward to welcoming you over a sustainably-sourced breakfast and ample networking opportunities as we gather for this final breakfast event before the holiday break.

This event is free to Future Leap members and coworkers, and open to everyone. Concessionary tickets are available for BCI members!

Agenda

8am – 8:20am – Breakfast and Networking [Including Virtual Attendee Networking]

8:20am – 8:30am – Welcome and Housekeeping

8:30am – 8:45am – Kerry Harrison, Independent AI Consultant and Educator – Practical ways that today’s AI tools can save you time – and boost your business

8:45am – 9am – Ed Garrett, Founder, The Discourse – The Ethical Use of AI in the Creative Industries

9am – 9:15am – Rin Hamburgh, Founder, Rin Hamburgh & Co – The opportunities and limitations of AI for content producers (and practical tips)

9:15am – 9:45am – Q&A

9:45am – 9:50am – 60 Second Pitches

9:50am – 9:55am – Close

9:55am – 10:30am – Optional Further Networking [Including Virtual Attendee Networking until 10:10am]

Meet The Speakers!

Ed Garrett is the MD and Founder of The Discourse, a UK-based design agency who are on a mission to accelerate and amplify the world’s changemakers – to help make their impact bigger, deeper, louder and more sustainable. The organisations they work with are already doing so much good in the world, the team at The Discourse make sure that the right people know about it through effective use of brand, the web and content.

As the AI champion at The Discourse, Ed leads on the agency’s AI strategy making sure that the whole business is aware of the possibilities that AI presents, that the team has the training and support they need to embrace new ways of working, and that the agency monitors the environmental impacts of AI and follows a strict code of ethics where it comes to the use of AI technology as a creative tool.

Ed will unpick these elements and provide insights to help you either begin or continue your own AI journey.

Rin Hamburgh is a journalist turned copywriter, and founder of Rin Hamburgh & Co, a strategic brand copywriting agency and certified B Corporation. The RH&Co team works with expert-led businesses around the world to create hard-hitting thought leadership content that builds brand awareness and authority, and allows them to lead the conversation.

In her talk, Rin will be looking at some of the challenges AI has raised for content creators in terms of noise and cynicism, and how we can overcome them. She will also be digging into where AI can be useful for writers, where it has its limitations, and how to ensure your content is trusted.

Kerry Harrison is an AI consultant and educator, specialising in using artificial intelligence to augment human creativity. Over the last five years, she has co-created the world’s first AI gin, brought the Cheltenham Science Festival AI curator to life, crafted an AI Queen’s speech for Wired Magazine, – and has spoken about AI both nationally and internationally. She has won two DMA Awards for Best Use of AI and is a resident at the Pervasive Media Studio in Bristol

Micro & SME businesses with niches and skill specialisms are small but mighty.

Their focus creates the super-power of agility, which makes collaboration – or ‘partnership’ and ‘white-labelling’ as it’s sometimes ambiguously known – much easier. But too often, partnership fails before the real value is derived.

In this webinar Tom Foster from Gravitywell explores 5 reasons partnerships can fall down and offers some practical tips for how agencies collectively might improve their own collaborative relationships.

This talk is also an invitation to the wider BCI community to join Gravitywell as we work towards a new “Partner Network” programme.

Key takeaways:

This talk is pitched at any micro or SME specialist businesses that works in with an entrepreneurial focus or directly with startups or scaleups. The content is equally valuable to any business with an idea for a new product, service or innovation who is exploring collaboration as a way of moving their idea forward.

> Register here!

About Tom

Tom is Gravitywell’s Head of Commercial. Drawing on a practical background in UX design, design research and early-stage startups, Tom works with founders and founding teams to conceive, scope and implement technology solutions that help founders achieve their goals.Gravitywell is Bristol’s Venture Studio; we pull together the skills, experience, resources and funding needed to produce businesses with solid technology foundations.

These Wake Up Call sessions are exclusively for BCI members – register your free place below!

If you’re not yet a member of Bristol Creative Industries and would like to take advantage of this member-only event, you can sign up here. You can also read about the membership perks here.

More about our ‘Wake Up Call’ webinar series

These sessions take place every other Friday morning from 8.30-9am, for the BCI community to share their pearls of wisdom with one another. The half hour webinars will involve a 15 minute presentation followed by a 10 minute facilitated Q&A, with introductions from the BCI team.

Our community is full of such amazing talent so we’re giving members the stage to talk about things that excite them so they can inspire their peers. The sessions will be a mix of expert tips and tricks and case studies – the perfect opportunity to learn something new before the week is out.

Our usual online format is an interactive ‘meeting’ but for this series we’re running webinars so that it’s easy to listen in while prepping for the day ahead or while having your breakfast! Cameras and mics will be off but you can ask your questions through the chat box or submit them beforehand.

Please get in touch with Sian if you’re interested in speaking at a future session.

Both employers and employees benefit when there is a feeling of trust at work. So, how do you build trust in your organisation?

We’re delighted to welcome back employee engagement and culture specialist Richard Roberts who will share his experiences of helping to create high trust cultures. Former HR Director at Virgin Mobile and Pure Planet, he’ll show you why trust underpins successful and productive organisations with higher levels of employee engagement and better retention.

Why build trust?

Research has found that trusting employees are 260% more motivated to work, have 41% lower rates of absenteeism, and are 50% less likely to look for another job. (Source: MITSloan, 2023)

Building trust creates the purpose and belonging that employees increasingly want. Higher levels of trust bring a number of benefits – more energy, more collaboration, more happiness and greater productivity as a result.

This talk will look at the importance of building trust and what you can to foster and encourage it.

What you’ll learn:

Who is it for?

You might be working in an HR generalist role, or perhaps a senior manager who wants to build trust in order to retain your people. Anyone interested in how organisational culture is changing and where the future of work is going will get useful takeaways from this event.

This talk will be held at Design West on the harbourside. Join us from 12.30pm for tea/coffee and networking, with the talk beginning at 1pm.

About Richard 

Richard is an employee engagement and culture specialist and is passionate about building highly motivated and productive teams in both start-ups and larger organisations.

Formerly HR Director and Head of Employee Engagement at Virgin Mobile, he was most recently People Director at sustainable energy provider Pure Planet and developed many effective engagement tactics to make remote and hybrid working work. He also runs employee engagement consultancy, enRich.

He presents at UK and international conferences on the topics of employee engagement, culture and employer branding, drawing on his experiences at Virgin Mobile, Pure Planet and other organisations.

Tickets 

Tickets are priced at £15+VAT for BCI members and £30+VAT for non-members. Book your place below!

Future Leap’s Wildlife Photography Gallery
Would you like to exhibit your photograph in this gallery? 18 finalists will show their photograph in our four-week gallery and the winner will receive £100 voucher at Niche Frames. Submissions open 1st November and close 1st December. You can submit your photograph here from 1st November.

The UK has a beautiful, diverse natural ecosystem that often goes unnoticed. With the Climate and Ecological Emergency playing an ever increasing part of our lives, it is time to draw attention to our most precious wildlife and natural habitats. With more attention and education on the beauty and fragility of UK’s biodiversity, we can better protect and support our island’s natural habitats.

On 25th January we will hold our Wildlife Photography Gallery Opening Night, a ticketed gallery view evening including inspiring talks, relaxed networking and a bar. Tickets to the Opening Night include a free beer on entry kindly donated by Lost and Grounded.

The final exhibiting pieces will be judged by Niche Frames, where one winner will be chosen and announced on the Opening Night to receive a £100 voucher at Niche Frames.

This will be followed by a free walk-in month-long exhibition at Future Leap Hub, every day 9am-5pm (except Sundays).

More information to be announced!