The Society of Merchant Venturers (SMV) is deeply saddened to report the sudden death of Robert Bourns DL, who had been Master since November 2024.

Robert had been actively spearheading a number of initiatives that he felt particularly passionate about, and which SMV’s members will continue to deliver with the same level of determination and energy. He was dedicated to expanding opportunities for young people so that they would thrive in the workplace; he was supporting entrepreneurs to navigate challenges and achieve success; and he was determined to help create a sustainable future for the Clifton and Durdham Downs and the Avon Gorge.

The young people and entrepreneurs who Robert had been mentoring at City of Bristol College and Black South West Network have described him as being “genuinely invested in their futures”, “full of encouragement”, and “generous with both his wisdom and his time”. It is perhaps in the future success of the many individuals he has inspired and guided over the years that his legacy will be witnessed most vividly.

Robert’s SMV colleagues have described him as being tenacious and purposeful, and scrupulously fair. Certainly, he was revered for never giving up on what he believed in – he would always find a way through, and he would take everybody with him. His endearing sense of fun and all-embracing smile made everyone feel welcome, regardless of whether you had just met him or had been a friend or colleague for decades.

Caroline Duckworth, SMV’s CEO, said: “Robert was an incredibly passionate advocate for diversity and social mobility, and he worked tirelessly to make a difference. He led with calm resolve and integrity, empathy and a deep commitment to doing what was right. He was an inspiration to work alongside, and he left a lasting impression on all who met him. Our thoughts are with his family at this incredibly difficult time.”

Robert was born and raised in Bristol, qualifying as a solicitor in 1980 after graduating from Cardiff University. He began his career as a criminal lawyer, training at Osborne Clarke in Bristol before joining TLT LLP where he went on to become managing partner, then senior partner, specialising in Criminal Defence, Corporate Transactional, Employment, Regulation, and Partnership law. Robert grew the practice from a single office with seven partners and 35 staff in 1996 to over 1,200 employees by 2015, with offices in Belfast, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Manchester and Piraeus, Greece.

Within his professional industry, Robert was Chair of the Law Society England and Wales for six years, stepping down in 2023, having earlier served as a Council Member for the City of London for eight years, and President for one year. He was also President of the Bristol Law Society in 2005, and Honorary Secretary for six years until 1992.

Recognising his enormous contribution to the industry, in 2016 Robert was given the President’s Outstanding Contribution Award from the Bristol Law Society; and in 2019 he earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of London Law Society.

Robert also held an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of the West of England; he was made a Deputy Lieutenant of the City and County of Bristol in 2014; and Vice Lord Lieutenant of the City and County of Bristol in 2020.

Throughout his career and into his retirement, Robert continued to actively support a range of charities and philanthropic organisations. He was a past Chair and Trustee of Quartet Community Foundation; past Chair and Trustee of St Peter’s Hospice; past President of The Dolphin Society; past Trustee of ABLAZE; and past Governor of Bannerman Road Community Academy and Merchants’ Academy. Robert was also a member of the Antient Society of St. Stephen’s Ringers; a Member of Council for the St Monica Trust; a Trustee of the National Pro Bono Centre; and a member of the Downs Committee.

Robert became a member of SMV in 2015 and served on a number of committees, including the Standing Committee, Charity Committee and Membership Committee, before being elected Master in 2024.