Bristol is home to a growing range of industries and remains one of the best places in the UK to open a new business. It has the highest survival rate for businesses in the UK and is home to a host of well-established companies that are recognised around the world. We’ve put together a list of some of the best local businesses in Bristol to give you an idea of what the city has to offer.
Business West
Business West is a local organisation that helps businesses, large and small. It was founded by the city's business leaders who united with a common goal of helping the economy prosper and grow throughout Bristol and the surrounding area. The company provides free support services to entrepreneurs and existing companies to help them implement their more ambitious plans. Businesses can learn more about starting or expanding their own company by attending workshops on anything from finance to marketing; they also offer training for those looking for career growth.
Watershed Media Centre
Watershed is Bristol's unique digital media centre located at the heart of the cultural quarter of Harbourside. During its beginnings as an early-stage incubator (1995 - 2001), it played a leading role in the digital revolution as a developer, broadcaster, and educational centre. Today, it continues to foster innovative thinking that contributes to Bristol's reputation as one of the UK's leading digital cities.
Bath Road Business Centre
Bath Road Business Park is home to south-eastern England's most successful companies, including Buro Happold, Dyson, Blippar, Crealytics, and many other global players. Situated on what was once an old military airfield (RAF Charmy Down), the park offers 24/7 access with over 1,500 car parking spaces; plans for two new hotels & leisure facilities should be open by 2018. The site benefits from high-speed broadband connections and a wide range of on-site facilities, including a gym and crèche.
The Bristolian
The Bristolian is an award-winning independent café, bar, and restaurant located in the heart of Bristol's cultural district. They serve fresh, seasonal food using the best locally sourced ingredients and have been awarded 2 AA Rosettes for their culinary excellence. The Bristolian is open all day from breakfast to dinner and offers a relaxed and informal atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or colleagues.
Outset Bristol
Outset Bristol is a social enterprise that helps new and early-stage businesses to get started. They provide free business advice, support, training, and access to finance and other resources. Outset also helps entrepreneurs to develop their ideas and grow their businesses by connecting them with local networks of other business owners and professionals. If you're looking for help starting your own business, then Outset Bristol is the perfect place to start.
The Slimbridge Soap Company Limited
The Slimbridge Soap Company Limited is a small, family-owned business that specialises in manufacturing high-quality soap products. They use traditional methods and natural ingredients to create their soaps, hand-wrapped and packaged with love and care. The company was founded in 2006 by two friends who share a passion for creating beautiful things, and they now sell their products all over the world.
Bristol Landscaping Services
Bristol is home to some genuinely great landscaping companies that can give your garden the love it deserves. Companies like Bristol Landscaping Services are committed to helping you create a stylish and functional outdoor space for your family to enjoy during the warmer months. An expert team will develop a design based on your specific needs before creating an eco-friendly space using hardy native plants; you can even specify how much shade or sunlight part of your garden requires!
Yuup
Whether you are new to Bristol, or have lived in the city all your life, Yuup keeps you up to date on all the best things to do around town. From local butcher shops and libraries, to keep fit classes and walking tours, there’s something for everyone here. All you must do is head to the website, fill in the search form on the home page based on your needs (date, group size, interest etc.) and you’ll be provided with a complete list of events and experiences for you to enjoy in Bristol.
The British Blanket Company
The British Blanket Company were awarded the ‘Family Business of the Year’ in the 2019 and continue to grow in strength with every passing year. Their offering is simple: beautifully made traditional wool blankets and scarves sourced from small mills across the UK. Everyone living in the UK knows how unpredictable the weather can be and the need to keep warm and cosy even when the winter is over. The company draw on the past while still providing contemporary and stylish designs that offer longevity while keeping that the cold at bay.
Bristol Co-operative Gym
With a unique tagline that says, “We hate gyms too!” you won’t find many gyms like the Bristol Co-operative Gym in Bristol. It’s an inclusive gym that is run by its own members – the first of its kind in the UK. Regardless of your ability, gender, body shape, identity and ethnicity, the aim is to create an environment that is tailored to the needs and goals of every member. It’s a non-profit organisation that offers flexible pricing, expert coaches and loads of fun classes to try out.