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
Nick Hood CBE
Nick Hood is the Master of the Merchant Venturers. He is a former chairman of Wessex Water and of insurance firm Winterthur Life, former managing director of overseas interests for UBM Group and GB Britton. He is the founder of At-Bristol where he is Life Vice president. He is deputy chairman and senior independent director of Brewin Dolphin Holdings and non-executive director of several other businesses. He also has a range of community and charitable interests including Penny Brohn Cancer Care, International Water Association, Walk the Walk, WWF, West Country Rivers Trust, WaterAid and is a member of the Prince of Wales’s Council for the Duchy of Cornwall.