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What people say about us 

As Director and General Manager of The Initiative in Bath and North East Somerset, we provide members of this business leadership group with the opportunity to influence the way in which the local economy develops and affects the long term commercial environment. For example, making the case for improved transport, sufficient housing and the availability of top quality modern office space.

The Initiative helps me stay abreast

of what is happening in B&NES,

providing the opportunity to hear

about plans and developments

that could impact my business, I

particularly value the chance to share

views and insight with other

business and council leaders in

a convivial atmosphere.

 Under the leadership of

Ian and Sandy Bell,

the Initiative makes sure

that the voice of business is heard.

 

Nick South, Director, BuroHappold

Under Sandy's direction, the Chew Valley Arts Trail has become one of the region's premier arts events. For one weekend a year the Valley becomes the Mecca for connoisseurs, buyers and browsers who come to appreciate the skills on show and also the beautiful local environment.

 

More details at www.chewvalleyartstrail.co.uk 

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Ian and Sandy helped me when I started my new business at the beginning of 2020 and guided me on the direction to take with website content and media. We spent time discussing my vision for my company and Ian literally put my thoughts and ideas into words, which made my brand

come alive !

Every month we have a conversation about current trends in the housing market and Ian then writes an article which we use for social media and press.

My brand is building and my business is growing ! Joanna Tiley, Estate Agent.

Derek Maltby is an experienced practitioner. We were able to help his Global MSC Security business to raise its profile and highlight his case studies.

We have supported and helped organise this leading cookery contest in Bath since it started, about 15 years ago.

 

Staged at the City of Bath College, the competition has helped to raise the standards of culinary skills in the City.

"Ian and Sandy Bell provide a service that combines intelligence, experience and reliability - a potent combination."
Charles Hignett - Sulis Down
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Professor Christopher Andrew, the eminent historian of secret intelligence was good enough to include us for thanks in the acknowledgements in his latest book, "Stars and Spies". 
He had previously written in "The Secret World"


"I've learned much from the BBC producers with whom I"ve worked, especially Ian Bell.
During the decade when we worked together on annual series of Radio 4's "What if ?", Ian encouraged me to present programmes on ancient and medieval, as well as recent, history - a rare privilege for a modern historian. 

CHEW VALLEY SELF STORAGE.COM

We were delighted to design a web site

for this new business, to provide content

and tell their story in the local media

We were founder members of the Chew Valley Chamber of Commerce in 2000. More recently Sandy became its third and first female President whilst Ian is Secretary and provides material for the media.

"Tintinna Ltd achieved regional television coverage for the Kingston Inn by coming up with a love story in time for Valentine's Day" - Nigel Pushman, Gamebird Inns.

We ensure the voice of business is heard as Director and General Manager of Bath Chamber of Commerce which also provides business support services and gives members opportunities to get to know one another and do business together.

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I would like to thank Sandy and Ian for their help in making my new business logo come to life. I knew roughly what I wanted the logo to look like and drew up a sketch of my muddled ideas which Sandy and Ian then put together for me to create the perfect logo. They were efficient and nothing was too much trouble.I would highly recommend them. 

Nicola Pushman

"The two best 'go to' people to go to on any local issue." ​
Richard Hall - Zenith International

Ian is a member of the Economic Recovery and Renewal Board set up by Bath and North East Somerset Council to the area cope with the effects of the Covid pandemic.

Final Lobster Logo round.webp

Don and Donna Kelly, owners of the Lazy Lobster Fish Restaurant and Bistro: "We commissioned Ian and Sandy Bell to create a website for our new venture. We were totally unsure of where to go and how to go about it. They took over the reins and

let us carry on running our business.

We'd totally recommend them in this field. 

Ian completed a full six years as a member of the Board of the destination management organisation, Bath Tourism Plus, three of them as Chairman. 

Delighted to continue as part of the group and thanks to you both for doing such an excellent job and going above and beyond.
Tarquin Mcdonald - Bath Rugby.

Ian was involved in the setting up of the The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, which brought together local authorities, business and education together into a single powerful forum which could bid for Government funding to improve infrastructure and help encourage economic growth. He provided briefings to businesses to explain the work being done.

Ian was pleased to serve as a Trustee of the RICE Centre in Bath, which carries out research and provides help for people with dementia

RICE is a Registered Charity. It was opened in 1986 by its then Patron, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent. In 2008 the new RICE Centre opened in the grounds of the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

 

The new centre has the space to enable RICE to open up its research programme and to undertake further studies as well as improving support for people with dementia in the Bath area, and their families.

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