David Marsh Becomes Master Of Society Of Merchant Venturers - Leadership Role In Promoting Local Economy Identified as a Priority
On their historic Charter Day, 10 November, the Merchant Venturers announced that David Marsh is their new Master.
David, who has been a Merchant Venturer for 10 years, played a key role in the development of Bristol’s leading law firm, Burges Salmon.
As managing partner and senior partner he saw the firm develop into a significant national player in the legal services sector, employing over 600 people at the centre of Bristol.
David has identified support for enterprise in the Greater Bristol area as a priority for the Society over the next 12 months. “My term as Master begins at a particularly challenging time, with the impact of the downturn being felt by many local people,” he said.
“We will continue to place emphasis on the Merchant Venturers’ core objective to ‘contribute to the prosperity and well-being of the Greater Bristol area.’
“The Merchants bring together a wealth of entrepreneurial experience, understanding and skills that can make a strong contribution to the economic life of this area. Many Merchants are passionately keen to share their experience, stimulating and backing entrepreneurial initiative.”
A former President of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, David believes that the Merchants can use their personal and collective influence to support business activity: “We must really get behind Colin Skellett and support the work that he is doing as Chairman of the new Local Enterprise Partnership.
“Colin and his contacts have a real commitment to the Bristol city region and the LEP has the strategic ability to make a huge difference – but only if it has the full support of the local community.”
Also, high on the agenda for the Merchant Venturers over the next 12 months is a continuation of the commitment of the Merchants to education in Bristol. As Chairman of Governors at Colston’s School for seven years, education is an area of great importance and interest for David.
Another continuing priority for the Merchant Venturers will be our care for over 1,000 people in eight residential homes across the greater Bristol area. During my year as Master, I hope to see some interesting development in our Cote and Almshouse charities.
David has played a major role in other societies and organisations in Bristol. He has been President of the Canynges Society, St Mary Redcliffe; President of the Grateful Society; a director of At-Bristol; as well as being involved with the leadership of various other local charities.
His business interests included having been director of local companies, including Taylor Maxwell Limited, Foster Yeoman Limited, Denmans Electrical plc and Chelsea Building Society.
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