Mayor appoints three new international ambassadors for Bristol

A lawyer, entrepreneur and CEO who are all leading figures in their fields have been appointed as international ambassadors to champion Bristol on the world stage.

Marti Burgess, a partner at Bevan Brittan, chair of Black South West Network and co-owner of Lakota, Fuad Mahamed, founder of ACH, and Clare Reddington, the boss of Watershed, were nominated by mayor Marvin Rees and the city’s international strategy board for the voluntary role.

Ambassadors are chosen for their “strong and active international connections” and are tasked with helping to increase the city’s cultural and economic presence at a global level.

It is hoped that the three, who took up the post last month, can use their expertise and connections to “share Bristol’s story and develop new opportunities with cities across the globe”.

Previous people in the post include Mena Fombo, of Blak Wave Productions, robotics entrepreneur Silas Adekunle, Carolyn Hassan, founder and director of Knowle West Media Centre; Ivor Anderson, aka DJ Bunjy, from Laid Blak; and boxing manager, promoter and trainer Chris Sanigar.

Rees said: “Our international strategy was developed in 2016, with the aim of creating a stronger and more inclusive city. We are very proud of the work we’ve done so far.

“Our international work is not just about trade and investment but also about leadership on global issues that affect cities, such as climate change, and working in partnership with those who have international connections to open up opportunities for culture, education and business.

“With an inspiring passion for creating these essential international links, Marti, Fuad and Clare will each bring with them experience from a range of sectors and existing relationships with people and businesses from around the world. I know they will all promote Bristol brilliantly.”

Marvin Rees has appointed Marti Burgess, Fuad Mahamed and Clare Reddington as the city’s newest international ambassadors – photo: Bristol City Council

A partner in the Bristol office of national law firm Bevan Brittan with a focus on advice and support to SMEs, Burgess is also chair of Black South West Network, sits on the Bristol Ideas Board and has director roles with several key social enterprises in the city.

Mahamed came to the UK as a refugee from Somalia with no English and went on to obtain a first-class degree in engineering from the University of Bath followed by an MSc in Management from Lancaster Business School. He set up Ashley Community Housing (now ACH) in 2008 to support the resettlement of refugees like himself.

Having joined Watershed in 2004, Reddington worked to establish the organisation’s creative technology programmes including Pervasive Media Studio and went on to become CEO in 2018. Reddington is a trustee of the British Council and is also collaborating with creative communities in Lagos, Seoul, Tokyo and Durban as part of Watershed’s Playable City Programme.

Bristol City Council says the roles will initially be for one year, but with the intention that they continue on an annual basis to build a stronger and wider network of international ambassadors for the city.

Main photo: CB Bristol Design 2021

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