Bristol has revealed its business case to bring the world’s first dedicated Green Investment Bank to the city at the House of Commons.

The city’s bid campaign: Bristol: The Natural Home for the Green Investment Bank hopes to secure the location for the bank, which will make major inroads into leading the transition to a low carbon economy.

Spearheaded by a group of Bristol and the South West’s most influential businesses and leaders of industry in conjunction with the Local Enterprise Partnership and Bristol City Council, the case focuses on the region's highly skilled workforce, close proximity to London and access to international markets.


Competitive property prices compared to the capital, strong financial credentials, a fast-growing low carbon sector and extensive professional and education support networks are also key claims in headquartering the Green Investment Bank (GIB) in Bristol.

The event, which was hosted by Stephen Williams MP, was aimed at bringing together the group backing the bid.

Mr Williams said: "I am delighted to launch Bristol's bid for the Green Investment Bank. It’s clear that we have an excellent case for bringing the Bank to Bristol.

"We have the business expertise, passion for sustainability and professional infrastructure needed for the Bank to succeed. We have cross-party support for the bid, alongside the support of the business community in the South West. Alongside my colleagues, I will continue to make our case to Ministers in the coming weeks."

Barbara Janke, Leader of Bristol City Council, said: "Bristol has the right credentials to be the natural home for the Bank. No other city can boast such a persuasive business case. We are already home to organisations such as the Soil Association, Environment Agency, Hargreaves Lansdown and Triodos Bank, and combined with our environmental technologies sector, education and transport infrastructure, means we are an ideal location for the Bank."

(CD)