The Society of Merchant Venturers

Membership

Membership is by invitation to men and women who are prominent in the business and commercial life of the greater Bristol area, and who are prepared to give their time and skills in support of the Merchant Venturers’ objectives.

All the members meet together four times a year at what is known as Quarterly Hall, and again on Charter Day in November.

The Merchant Venturers are governed by the Master and two Wardens. They head a 15-strong Standing Committee of members who are elected annually on Charter Day, 10th November.

Day-to-day administration is carried out by the Treasurer, who is effectively the chief executive. He is advised as necessary by the Clerk, who is a lawyer.

Current Members

Colin Skellett
Colin Skellett is currently Executive Chairman of Wessex Water, a director of YTL Utilities UK and a range of other subsidiary companies. He is a scientist and engineer by training, holds a MSC in water engineering and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management. 

He is Chairman of the Initiative for Bath and North East Somerset and Future Bath Plus, Non-Executive Chairman of European Connoisseurs Travel, Joint Chair of GWE Business West, and a Fellow of the RSA. He is involved in supporting a number of local charities.