BRISTOL UPDATES

Conservation charity Bristol Zoological Society has revealed a new name and brand, marking a major milestone in its mission to save threatened wildlife.

The 136-acre Wild Place Project site near Junction 17 of the M5, has officially been renamed Bristol Zoo Project. It comes at a pivotal time in the Society’s 188-year history, as it starts a journey to build a new conservation zoo at the Bristol Zoo Project, where around 80 percent of animals will be linked to its conservation work.

Construction at the site is expected to start in 2024 and will include the creation of new spaces for animals with new species, visitor facilities, exciting play areas and a conservation campus for students, vets, and the breeding of threatened animals.

The first phase of development will see the creation of a Central African Forest habitat, which will become home to the zoo’s troop of Western lowland gorillas. Here, they will live with a new group of Endangered cherry-crowned mangabey monkeys in an immersive woodland exhibit, reflecting their natural habitat as closely as possible. The area will also include Endangered African grey parrots, as well as Critically Endangered slender-snouted crocodiles and extremely rare species of West African fish, which visitors will be able to see in a new underwater viewing area.

The new logo focuses on three letters –zoo. Bristol Zoological Society was the first society to use the word in print and now hopes to redefine the role of zoos in the 21st century.

Justin Morris, Chief Executive Officer at Bristol Zoological Society, explained how the vision required a new name for Wild Place Project. “We have been running a zoo in Bristol since 1836, so the name ‘Bristol Zoo Project’ reflects our past. But it also reflects our future. This is more than a zoo. It is a ‘Project’ with our visitors, partners and supporters to save wildlife together.”

• wildplace.org.uk

SR2 Socially Responsible Recruitment, a leading recruitment agency focused on the technology sector, has ranked 34th in the prestigious Sunday Times Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies in the UK.

The Sunday Times Top 100 list recognises and celebrates the exceptional growth and success of privately-owned companies across various industries. SR2’s inclusion in this esteemed ranking is a testament to its consistent growth, strong business performance, and commitment to socially responsible recruitment practices.

After years of working in tech recruitment, owner and CEO Chris Sheard started SR2 Socially Responsible Recruitment to turn the industry on its head by putting people over profits and creating the most socially responsible agency in the UK.

As of August 2021, SR2 was certified as a B Corporation (B Corp), joining a growing group of companies reinventing business by pursuing purpose as well as profit.

• sr2rec.com

The soon-to-be-reopened Bristol Beacon, set to be a major attraction for visitors to Bristol, has announced a new partnership with 10 local hotels that will give concert-goers access to a range of discounts and perks for their stay.

Visitors will be able to make a night of their trip to Bristol Beacon with up to 15% off a stay in a local hotel and discounts on spa visits and other activities in the city. The local hotels included in the three-year Beacon partnership are Harbour Hotel Bristol, Clayton Hotel Bristol City, Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin, Hotel du Vin Bristol, Berkeley Suites and the four other hotels in the Clifton Hotels Group, and Ibis Bristol Centre.

The Beacon will reopen in November 2023 following its extensive transformation programme, which is now close to completion. The flagship venue will be one of the best and most accessible performance and music education venues in Europe, with two international standard performance venues, a restaurant and bar, and its historic cellars being used for the first time as education and performance spaces.

Bristol Beacon will have the highest possible accessibility rating, including flat wheelchair access across the venue and onto the stage, accessible toilets, hearing systems, and trained specialised staff.

Visit the ‘Where to Stay’ page on the Bristol Beacon website for more information about hotel discounts, or check your confirmation email after you have purchased tickets for a Beacon event.

• bristolbeacon.org