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
George Ferguson
George Ferguson is a past President of the RIBA and Chairman of Acanthus Ferguson Mann Architects. Other ventures include the Tobacco Factory (Theatre etc) and Bristol Beer Factory. Other Bristol roles include being a Director of the Pierian Centre and Patron of CRUSE and the AYA. George is a Director of the Academy of Urbanism and the think tank Demos.