Eleanor Thatcher
Cidermaker, Thatchers Cider Company
Eleanor Thatcher is fifth generation cider maker at family business Thatchers Cider.
Born and brought up at Myrtle Farm, where cider has been made since 1904, she has farming truly in her blood. Early memories of walking through the apple orchards with her grandfather are held very dear to her. Eleanor’s initiation into the cider making business started in 2018. Since then she has worked throughout the company, gaining valuable experience from the ground up and an in-depth knowledge of every part of the business.
Eleanor’s passion is protecting the environment and ensuring sustainability of the business for future generations, reducing Thatchers’ carbon footprint and protecting biodiversity.
On being a judge: “I’m looking forward to learning more about the fantastic businesses that are doing such great things in Bristol.”
Emily Hill
Co-founder and CEO, Ghyston
Emily is co-founder and CEO of Bristol based software house, Ghyston. Now over ten years old, Ghyston are South West leaders in creating transformational software, with a conscience. They commit 10% of annual profits to doing good, actively measure and reduce their impact on the planet, and regularly contribute to conversations around EDI in tech.
Emily is determined to do business the “right” way and it’s no wonder Ghyston have won multiple awards for their workplace culture and service offering.
Nick Roberts
Senior Associate in Commercial Dispute Resolution, Michelmores
Nick is a commercial dispute resolution solicitor at Michelmores, in Bristol. Nick helps business clients assert contractual rights, understand their options, and achieve the best possible resolution to disputes. He has particular interest in energy and corporate disputes and working with Bristol’s significant technology & innovation, early-stage, investor and founder communities. Nick has advised on claims at all levels up to the Court of Appeal. He enjoys problem solving, developing relationships, and connecting businesses and people who can help one another.
Nick grew up in Bristol, returning after university to do a postgraduate law conversion. Nick joined Michelmores in 2022.
Rob Hingston
Head of Origin, Origin Workspace
The driving force behind everything that happens at Origin, you’ll find Rob taking on everything from helping new startups get off the ground through to making sure our events hit the mark. It’s Rob’s role to manage the £8 million redevelopment project of our property in Berkeley Square, transforming it into Bristol’s most contemporary coworking space. A skilled business and HR manager, Rob brings a wealth of experience to his role as Head of Origin. His senior position at David Lloyd Health Clubs as Group HR Manager saw him revolutionise employee turnover and engagement – the perfect pre-empter to building Origin Workspace’s collaborative community of coworkers.
Rob Nye
Head of South West & Wales, Cazenove Capital
Robert heads up the Bristol office of Cazenove Capital, the wealth management arm of Schroders in the UK. He advises entrepreneurs across the South West region on their personal financial affairs, helping them maximise their successes throughout ownership and wherever life takes them thereafter. Robert is passionate about business and is honoured to work with leaders in a wide variety of sectors. He also has a keen interest in charity and is a trustee of Creative Youth Network (CYN), a nationally recognised youth organisation.
Savita Willmott
Chief Executive, The Natural History Consortium
Savita Willmott is the Chief Executive of The Natural History Consortium, the charity that brings the region’s nature organisations together to work on communications and events like the annual Festival of Nature. Savita has lived in 20 years and especially loves the city’s arts, food and drink scene.
Dr Tina Radka
Co-Founder & Managing Director, Airsat Real Estate
Tina has over 10 years of experience in senior management from Scientific background to Property Sector and has been an active member of Association of Residential Letting Agents for the past 4 years (MARLA), specialising in Lettings & Property Management.
“Airsat Real Estate” is part of “Airsat Group” and an extension to Airsat Construction where Tina also acts as Managing director of which holds over 20 years of experience trading in Bristol and surroundings. Airsat has successfully built and managed portfolios for a number of its clients and works with investors as well offering an all around service from design to build and management.