Reflections from the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta Business Breakfast 2026

The day began with almost perfect weather. Clear blue skies, bright sunshine and barely a breath of wind created ideal conditions for the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. In the setting of the historic Ashton Court, more than 100 hot air balloons inflated across the launch field before lifting gently into the morning sky, heading south in what was a spectacular start to the day.

The Business Breakfast itself was excellent. It has to be one of the most relaxed and enjoyable networking events in the region. There is something quite unique about catching up with colleagues and making new connections while watching over a hundred balloons prepare for take-off. It may require an early alarm; some of our team at tor&co were up at 4.00am to make sure they arrived in time, but it was unquestionably worth it.

Following the mass ascent, we moved into the VIP Sky Lounge for breakfast and two panel discussions. The first focused on how culture, creativity and placemaking can create stronger economies, while the second explored how businesses can harness Bristol’s cultural strengths to generate economic opportunity.

During the first panel, I couldn’t help myself and asked a question that I thought has become increasingly relevant following the Government’s renewed emphasis on devolution and empowering Metro Mayors. My question was along the lines:

‘With a new Prime Minister stressing the importance of devolution and stronger partnerships between business and the public sector, what one request should we be making of Government to make life easier, encourage economic growth and remove unnecessary friction?’

As a Chartered Town Planner, I probably shouldn’t have been surprised that the very first response pointed towards the planning system. However, what struck me most was that, throughout both discussions, many of the panellists’ answers, whether intentionally or otherwise, kept returning to a common theme. They were describing the need for an ambitious, long-term plan for our area as the basis for short-term action to attract investment.

Whether discussing housing, employment, transport, skills, investment or cultural placemaking, there was a recurring recognition that sustainable economic growth depends upon coordinated long-term planning and genuine collaboration between the public and private sectors.

There was also a clear sense of optimism. Bristol was consistently described as an exceptional place to live, work and invest. Yet there was equal recognition that we do not always champion our successes as confidently as we could. If the city region is to realise its full potential, we need to become better at telling our story, celebrating what we already do well, and working collaboratively across sectors rather than in isolation.

My overriding takeaway from the morning was that Bristol has many of the ingredients needed for continued success. The challenge is not identifying opportunities; it is aligning around a shared long-term vision and providing the confidence, certainty and partnerships that allow those opportunities to be realised.

Final thoughts

Perhaps my biggest takeaway from the morning was just how optimistic the conversations were. There was a genuine sense of confidence, ambition and purpose amongst the panellists and the wider business community. It was refreshing to spend a morning surrounded by people who believe so strongly in the future of Bristol and the West of England.

As always, Peaches Golding, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Bristol, brought her trademark warmth, energy and infectious positivity to the discussion. She remains one of the city’s great ambassadors and didn’t disappoint. Likewise, Business West’s new CEO, Douglas Ure, made a compelling case for why business succeeds when it collaborates, builds networks and works in partnership with the public sector. I may be slightly biased as one of his Non-Executive Board colleagues, but his message resonated throughout the room.

One theme kept emerging from every discussion. Whether the subject was culture, placemaking, housing, skills, transport or economic growth, the answer was remarkably consistent: the West of England needs an ambitious, long-term vision that gives businesses and communities the confidence to invest.

That belief was one of the reasons tor&co opened its Bristol office on College Green just over a year ago. It wasn’t simply about expanding into a new market; it was a response to existing clients who wanted us closer to them, alongside our desire to help new clients navigate the planning challenges that inevitably accompany growth and investment. We opened our doors because we believe in the potential of this city region.

As Chairman of tor&co, I can say with complete transparency that our commitment to the West of England is long term. We’ll continue working alongside businesses, local authorities and our partners to help realise the ambition so clearly articulated throughout the morning: delivering the homes, employment space and infrastructure that will enable the region to fulfil its enormous potential.

As the last of the balloons drifted away across the Bristol skyline, it struck me that they offered a fitting metaphor. They rose because the conditions were right. Our city region has the same opportunity. With ambition, collaboration and a shared long-term vision, the West of England can continue to rise too.

Author: Simon Prescott, Chairman