Ellis Genge
A professional rugby player for Bristol Bears and England, Ellis was Born and raised in Knowle West, and has a deep connection to the local community and understands the challenges faced by young people in the area.
Ellis’s rugby journey began in Bristol, where he quickly rose through the ranks to represent England on the international stage. Despite his success, he has remained grounded and passionate about giving back to his roots. His personal experiences of traveling over an hour each week to train highlight the importance of accessible facilities for young people.
“I grew up about 400m away and, as a local lad, this means the world to me. I genuinely don’t think people understand the challenges of being a youngster from Knowle. I had to travel over an hour every single week to get to training at Westbury for Bristol and it was hard. Having a space like this will provide youngsters with opportunity and, who knows, hopefully we find a few more diamonds in the West, and see them playing for Bristol in the future!”
Geoff Barrow
A Bristol based multi award winning music producer and film composer.
Known as founding member of “Portishead” and film composer of Netflix “Black Mirror” and “Ex-Machina”, Geoff is also owner of Bedminster based Invada Records (“Stranger Things”) & Invada Recording studio.
Having always lived in the area Geoff understands the importance of youth organisations and centres – his own experiences at Harbour Road Youth Club in Portishead (also where his mum volunteered) were vital to his development in music.
“Without the local youth club to rehearse and DJ things would have been very different in my musical life so I understand how vital these new facilities and great youth workers will be to local kids helping them to engage with their creative talent.”
Paul Holbrook
A Bristol based multi award winning music producer and film composer.
Known as founding member of “Portishead” and film composer of Netflix “Black Mirror” and “Ex-Machina”, Geoff is also owner of Bedminster based Invada Records (“Stranger Things”) & Invada Recording studio.
Having always lived in the area Geoff understands the importance of youth organisations and centres – his own experiences at Harbour Road Youth Club in Portishead (also where his mum volunteered) were vital to his development in music.
“Without the local youth club to rehearse and DJ things would have been very different in my musical life so I understand how vital these new facilities and great youth workers will be to local kids helping them to engage with their creative talent.”
Nick Sturge
Nick is a Bristol entrepreneur who helps create opportunities for young people and new businesses. He grew up in Bristol and went to Portway Comprehensive School in Shirehampton, then studied Electronics and Computing at Swansea University.
He co-founded Motion Media Technology, which developed videophones and, at the age of 28, floated the business on the London Stock Exchange reaching a valuation of over £270m.
Nick helped grow the Bristol SETsquared Centre, supporting people who are starting and growing businesses. SETsquared was ranked the world’s best university business incubator in 2015, 2018 and 2019.
In 2013, Nick founded Engine Shed at Bristol Temple Meads, turning Brunel’s original station building into a space for people to work, meet and build ideas. The goal was simple: bring people together, back local talent, and help the Bristol area grow in a way that includes everyone, not just a few.
Nick supports a number of organisations in the region in advisory and board roles, including: Bath Spa University, UWE, Boomsatsuma Education, techSPARK and he’s an advisor to the Mayor of the West of England.
In 2019 Nick was honoured by the Queen for his contribution to the UK’s digital economy.
“I am passionate about creating opportunities for people across the region to play their part and fulfil their potential, on jobs of the future – anything to support young people from cradle to career.”
DJ Dazee
Dazee is a seasoned DJ, producer, label owner, broadcaster, and one of the original pioneers of Jungle music. With a career spanning over two decades, she has made an indelible mark on the music industry. Her productions and collaborations have been released on iconic independent drum and bass labels, including Breakbeat Culture, Colourstone, Siren Records, Hocus Pocus, and her own label, Ruffneck Ting.