Business organisation celebrates anniversary by appointing all female leadership
A Bristol business organisation has marked its 75th anniversary by appointing an all-female leadership team.
Bristol Junior Chamber has a membership of more than150 young professionals from the city of Bristol and surrounding areas.
The networking organisation begins its 75th anniversary year with Georgia Corp, Emma Carter and Kate Woosnam at its helm.
Georgia Corp, a senior account manager at content and copywriting agency Stratton Craig, becomes president. Emma Carter, head of income generation at Air Ambulances UK, was appointed to the role of vice president, and Ibex Gale associate Kate Woosnam, as the outgoing president, becomes immediate past president. The trio mark the organisation’s first all-female leadership team.
The BJC was founded in 1948 to promote trade, commerce and industry in the city, to support the agenda of Business West and Bristol Chamber of Commerce, and to provide its members with professional networking and skills-development opportunities.
The organisation has been involved in a number of significant projects in Bristol, including founding the world-renowned Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in 1978 and the Bristol Heritage Walk in 1984.
The BJC has a membership of over 150 young professionals spanning a wide range of industries, including financial services, law, charity, marketing and communications, and consulting. High-profile guests feature in the organisation’s monthly member meetings, with outgoing President Kate Woosnam welcoming a range of speakers – including Marti Burgess, partner at Bevan Brittan LLP; Babbasa chief executive Poku Pipim Osei; and Professor Sarah George, head of research at Bristol Heart Institute.
The BJC’s new council of management – a nominated team that is appointed every year to help with the running of the organisation – also took up their roles at the AGM.
Catherine Harris, corporate responsibility advisor for climate at AXA UK, was also appointed to the role of company secretary.
With Georgia, Emma, Kate and Catherine in their seats, the BJC’s directorship is now 80 per cent female. Sam Mitchell, the fifth Director, will stay on as treasurer for the second year running.
Georgia said: “I joined Bristol Junior Chamber in 2019 and over the past four years the organisation has provided me with so many opportunities for personal and professional development. I’m more than excited to now be taking on the role of President, and it’s an honour to do so during its 75th anniversary year.
“Our longstanding objectives focus on promoting trade, industry and commerce in Bristol, as well as supporting Business West’s agenda. Since its inception in 1948, the organisation has established significant standing in the city and we’re proud to have the backing of so many Bristol businesses.
“I’m looking forward to building on these connections in the business community as well as supporting the conduit to employers that our members provide, for wider city initiatives and knowledge-sharing opportunities.”
