Meet the Members

Chris Garrard

Company
Vitae Compass
Job title
Founder
About your company:

Results coaching for ambitious achievers that strengthens resilience and speeds up recovery from setbacks, enabling sustained peak performance

Before I attended my first Bristol Junior Chamber event I had tried out five other networking groups just to get a feel for which was the best fit. The Chamber really stood out because it wasn’t just about exchanging a business card or two, but building meaningful relationships.

From the very first event, I found myself surrounded by passionate, driven individuals who weren’t just interested in my profession, but in how the Bristol community can grow. I’ve attended many of their speaker events and met top CEO’s in the area. The Chambers roots in Bristol are deep and you learn about the city very holistically. It’s awesome!

There are multiple events each month which makes it easy to create real connections and for some, trusted partners. They’ve successfully made networking fun! It’s the people that keep me coming back, and I’ve only been a member for a few months.

I also want to thank the Chamber and members who have helped me grow my startup. Invaluable insights and support my business has needed to thrive.

If you’re looking to expand your horizons, build something meaningful, and do it with a community that truly cares, the Bristol Junior Chamber is where you need to be. Book yourself onto the next event today!

What motivated you to join the BJC?

I joined BJC after trying other networking groups and feeling stuck in transactional  chats. BJC was different with real connections, inspiring people, and a chance to grow  my startup while shaping Bristol’s future. It’s not networking; it’s being part of a community of young professionals that want to make a difference.  

Can you share a memorable experience or highlight from your time with the Chamber?

My startup’s first-ever Bristol workshop, packed with curious minds, hosted through the  BJC. The connections I’d built made it possible. That’s an opportunity most networking  events wouldn’t be able to facilitate.  

How has being a part of the BJC impacted your personal or professional life?

Joining BJC has been a game-changer—my business has grown faster than I expected,  and I’ve built genuine friendships that will last a lifetime. If you’re looking for real  connections, this is the place to be. 

What is your favourite event or activity that the BJC organises, and why?

I still remember walking into Avery’s for my first BJC Wine and Cheese Night—a perfect  mix of laughter, learning, and local connections. Meeting ambitious peers over amazing  pairings? Hands down, my favourite event. Don’t miss it!

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a member of the BJC?

Before joining BJC, I wondered if it’d be worth it. Turns out, it’s the best decision I’ve  made. My advice? Jump in, go to events, and focus on building real connections- it’ll  change everything.  

What makes the BJC stand out from other networking or professional groups?

After trying other networking groups, BJC stood out immediately, every event is fresh,  and the people are genuinely invested in growth, not just business. ” 

Can you talk about a time when you felt especially proud to be a member of the BJC?

Walking into a BJC speaker event, I didn’t expect to be inspired by the CEO of our local  stadium. Hearing his vision for how Bristol’s businesses can grow together was  powerful, but what stood out most was how much he valued hearing from us as the  city’s young professionals. At that point I realised our significance in shaping the city’s  future. Moments like that make me proud to be part of a group that’s driving real impact  and collaboration across Bristol. 

Why you would recommend new members to join?

Before I attended my first Bristol Junior Chamber event I had tried out five other  networking groups just to get a feel for which was the best fit. BJC really stood  out because it wasn’t just about exchanging a business card or two, but building  meaningful relationships.  

From the very first event, I found myself surrounded by passionate, driven individuals  who weren’t just interested in my profession, but in how the Bristol community can  grow. I’ve attended many of their speaker events and met top CEO’s in the area. The  BJC’s roots in Bristol are deep and you learn about the city very holistically. It’s  awesome! 

There are multiple events each month which makes it easy to create real connections  and for some, trusted partners. They’ve successfully made networking fun! It’s the  people that keep me coming back, and I’ve only been a member for a few months.  

I also want to thank the Chamber and members who have helped me grow my startup.  Invaluable insights and support my business has needed to thrive. 

If you’re looking to expand your horizons, build something meaningful, and do it with a  community that truly cares, the Bristol Junior Chamber is where you need to be. Book  yourself onto the next event today!