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
Karen Morgan OBE, DL
Karen Morgan’s professional interests include the Natural Environment Research Council (Member of Council), Plymouth Marine Laboratory (Trustee) and EcoAlert Ltd (Chairman). She was formerly a member of the boards of Wessex Water, the Environment Agency and the National Rivers Authority. Karen’s charitable and community interests include At-Bristol (Board member), Penny Brohn Cancer Care (Vice President), The Converging World (Chairman of Trustees), the University of the West of England (Pro Chancellor), the Royal Agricultural College (Vice Chairman) and the Royal Society of Arts (Member of Council). She was formerly Vice Chairman of WaterAid. Karen is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Water Conservators, a Deputy Lieutenant of Gloucestershire and a Member of Court of the Honourable Company of Gloucestershire. She is also a governor of Colston’s Collegiate School.