We are a social networking community for young professionals under the age of 40 in Bristol and the wider city region.
Our members work across a wide range of sectors and roles, including financial services, law, charity, marketing and consulting.
There’s so much to get involved in, and most of our events are either free or subsidised, including:
Monthly guest speakers
Skills workshops
Networking
A range of clubs
and more!
What makes us, us
History
Established in 1948, we’ve now played an important role in the Bristol business community for more than 75 years. The objectives of the organisation were to promote trade, industry and commerce across Bristol, and support Bristol Chambers of Commerce, and Business West.
Today, we continue to work alongside Business West and other significant organisations to connect people in the region and contribute to making the South West a great place to live and work.
We are proud to have many of the city’s leaders in business, politics and philanthropy over the past seven decades as former members of the BJC – many of whom are still active within our community.
Twinned cities
Hannover
Hannover
We alternate travelling between Hannover and Bristol every year, and our members have established long lasting friendships within the Wirtschaftsjunioren Hannover.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux
We’re hoping to organise the next exchange in 2025.
Bristol
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
Co-founded by the BJC in 1979, the fiesta is now one of the UK’s top outdoor events and Europe’s biggest annual gathering of hot air balloons.
The fiesta brings thousands of people to the city each year during the second weekend of August, resulting in millions of pounds of investment into the local economy.
“The Bristol Junior Chamber was part of the founding team of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in 1979. The Junior Chamber continued to have an active involvement in delivering the event through its members actively volunteering and delivering key roles until the late 1980’s.
Since that time, the BJC and Fiesta have kept a close connection, with BJC members contributing to a variety of roles as well as attending the event annually with its members. In recent years the Fiesta has faced some challenging times, so it has been heart warming that the current leadership of the Chamber saw it appropriate to make an investment in the 46th Fiesta. This will help secure the future of the Fiesta, as we aim to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2028.”
Ben Hardy, Balloon Fiesta Event Director
Bristol Heritage Walk
The Bristol Junior Chamber initially began working on the Bristol Heritage Walk as a project to benefit the local community and tourism in the city. Work began on the project during the 1970s and the Heritage Walk was formally opened in May 1980, being “established to help Bristolians and visitors alike to discover some of the most interesting places and fine buildings in our city.” This guided route consists of several points of interest in the city centre, for each of which is provided a short description of its history and contribution to the city’s heritage.
Originally maintained by the BJC, and undergoing several revisions up to 1984, it was handed over to the City Council and whilst many of the original plaques remain, potentially as a mystery for modern residents of the city, the walk has remained dormant for decades.
In 2023 work to refresh the walk began as the BJC believes it is a great opportunity to educate visitors about the city’s rich history and raise money for good causes.
Impact
BJC Big Help Out
Our charitable work plays a big part in our identity, having supported a wide range of local good causes over the years. To help take this a step further, we have organised a month-long drive to make a positive impact in our community – the BJC Big Help Out.
Held throughout June, this initiative gives BJC members the chance to engage with some incredible organisations from the city’s charitable sector whilst making the most of those paid-for volunteering days that often go unused. By taking part, not only will you be helping others, but you’ll also have the opportunity to meet with like-minded professionals and showcase the positive impact we can have together.
Our fantastic line up of volunteering opportunities has in the past included the likes of environmental, physical and mental wellbeing, emergency services and cancer charities. From cooking and gardening to assisting at high profile events and cheering on runners, we have something for everyone!
Whether you have a few hours or a full day to spare, your contribution will be invaluable.
So…spread the word! Encourage your colleagues and friends to join us in this rewarding initiative. The more, the merrier!
If you aren’t sure whether you get paid for volunteering days, please ask your line manager or HR department.
Education Programme
BJC has a well-established education programme, working with a range of secondary schools across Bristol. Members deliver mock interviews to help students practise their technique and grow their confidence to prepare for university and/or work interviews. It also allows students to connect with young professionals and understand more about their job roles and responsibilities.
The programme also helps BJC members with their professional development by providing them with experience in interviewing.
A rewarding and often challenging project, that BJC members can get as much out of helping with the interviews as the students do.
Quartet Fund
The Bristol Junior Chamber Quartet Fund was established to benefit young people’s projects within Bristol that focus on training, education and business. The fund which is managed by the Quartet Community Foundation has awarded grants of nearly £10,000 to support great causes within Bristol.
Charities previously supported by the fund include:
- Off the Record
- Brandon Trust
- Converging World
- Bristol Initiative Trust
- St Mungo’s
- Re: Work
- Rotary Club Of Bristol Breakfast
- Trust Fund
- 1625 Independent People
- Creative Youth Network
Most recently the fund helped Creative Youth Network a multidisciplinary youth services and arts charity delivering across Bristol and South Gloucestershire bridge a funding gap for their Learning Co-ordinator post meaning they were able to retain the post and post holder ensuring the 22 young people not in education, employment and training were supported on a 121 basis.