The new Science City Bristol Network Director, Alastair Watson made his first public appearance in his new role at Venturefest Bristol on 3^rd November 2011.

Alastair has been brought into the Science City Bristol team to expand and develop the reach of the company's networks. A key role for Alastair is to work on the BEN programme of high quality events to enable technology entrepreneurs, academics and businesses in the West of England to network and gain knowledge and skills.

Alastair is taking over from the previous BEN Director Martin Coulthard.   Alastair said, "I am really excited about taking on the role of Network Director for BEN. I want to continue the good work that BEN has been doing with early-stage technology companies, as well as looking for ways to deliver even more value to all our members." 

The South West has a deep well of talent, as good as or better than anywhere in the world. This is the view of Paul Magelli, serial entrepreneur, who was a keynote speaker at Venturefest Bristol this week.

Organised by Science City Bristol, the event brought together new technology and innovation-based business ideas with the funding and support required to make them grow, and was the first major event to take place at the Bristol & Bath Science Park since it opened in September.

The core of the event was the Innovation Showcase, which gave South West companies the opportunity to demonstrate their business ideas, such as 3D imaging, low carbon transport and problem solving with chemical formulations. Other companies were found perfecting their pitch in "The Pitch at Venturefest", and aspiring entrepreneurs took part in a Bite-sized MBA.

A very happy and prosperous New Year to you.

One good resolution for 2012 might be to extend your personal network with people in the science and technology space - business leaders, innovators, academics, funders and support service providers. Research on networking shows that you need to persevere over the long term to build productive relationships. We hope to help you build your network in 2012 with our regular monthly networking events. 

We have developed a programme of networking opportunities for 2012 which will inspire you to start, grow, collaborate or support science and technology businesses in the Bath and Bristol region.

I would like to welcome you to our first event of the year. It will be held at the stunning new Bristol and Bath Science Park. The topic will be ‘intellectual property', and how to make money out of it. This is a subject which consistently comes highest in the interest stakes with BEN members. Please put the 9^th of February in your diary, networking from 6.00 pm, with the presentations starting at 6.45 pm. There is plenty of parking available, and the evening will include a glass of wine and buffet food. Registration will be open shortly.

Other dates to keep free are: 8^th March, when we will be having a technology update on robotics; 19^th April, which will be an opportunity to explore the issue of raising finance in a difficult times; and 3^rd May for an exploration of smart buildings technology. 

I hope you will be able to join us on the 9^th February, and look forward to welcoming you to this, and other BEN events throughout the year. Make 2012 a year where you achieve your business potential. 

Alastair 

Join BEN to receive priority notification of BEN events and to receive BEN member benefits: http://www.sciencecitybristol.com/users/sign_up

Communications Manager, Science City Bristol Ltd

Science City Bristol Ltd will shortly have a vacancy for a Communications Manager, due to the departure of the present postholder.  If you would like to help us to promote science and technology activities in the Bristol city region; and support BEN and Venturefest Bristol through our website, social media and PR activity, please see the further details below for information on the role and how to apply.  This is a part time role, for 2 days per week, for nine months commencing 1 March 2012.

Venturefest Bristol is an exciting new event for the South West business community, designed to inspire and support the growth of innovative businesses and to provide access to business support and the investment community.

The event, organised by Science City Bristol, and taking place on 3 November 2011, will bring technology business ideas together with potential funding and support, to help these ideas become a reality. Nigel Risner, one of the keynote speakers, will inspire upcoming businesses and entrepreneurs and our other keynote, Paul Magelli, a Bristol telecoms entrepreneur and cofounder of Apertio, will describe his business journey. The day will also provide extensive opportunities for networking. The innovation showcase will be demonstrating approximately 40 new business ideas from the South West and beyond and will give investors a"first look" at new business ideas.

Science City Bristol is looking for volunteer writers to contribute topical features and think pieces for our monthly newsletter.