Bristol fights back

Today the Bristol Evening Post launches a campaign called Bristol Fights Back to help us all ride out the current economic storm.

Whether you have a family or you are running your own business we are here to help you.

From today, a team of Evening Post reporters will bring you advice, money-saving offers and human interest stories from those who can guide readers through the economic downturn.

There is no ignoring the fact that, for some, there will be difficult times ahead as the worst of the recession bites, but help is at hand to save families hundreds of pounds a year from everyday household bills and expense.

Throughout each week, we will be looking at ways of saving you money in a range of areas including food, bills and travel. And we will be offering advice on personal finance.

Our campaign has received support from Bristol City Council through its partnership initiative.

The Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Christopher Davies, said: “It’s great for the people of Bristol that the Evening Post is doing this.

“It is inevitable that Bristol will feel some affect from the countrywide recession, but I’m confident that a city as vibrant, talented and resilient as ours is more than equipped to weather the worst of the financial storm.”

Council leader Councillor Helen Holland said: “We are, of course, taking this very seriously and are targeting people who are likely to have the most problems.

“Some assessments think that we might be better placed than a number of other authorities to weather the storm.

“It’s undoubtedly true that there will be some impact and what we have to do is make sure that we are there for the most vulnerable when they need us.

“We also plan to make sure that we have a quick return to growth when this all dies down.”

She said the council was already working to improve energy efficiency in people’s homes and reduce its own energy bills.

People in business have also expressed optimism about Bristol.

Andrew Forbes, Bristol spokesman for the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “I have no doubt that we can pull through the current difficulties.

“I know only too well the doom and gloom that is too prevalent on our news screens and the reduced amount of work in many sectors.

“However this is still a vibrant city and I have no doubt that we will weather the storm and press on to build an even more exciting city in the next 25 years.”

And leading academic figures have also spoken hopefully.

Professor Eric Thomas, University of Bristol vice-chancellor, said: “The presence of two successful universities in Bristol, both with good links with industry, puts the city in a strong position.”

And John Rushforth, deputy vice-chancellor at UWE, said: “The University of the West of England is looking forward with optimism.

“We’ve recently announced the purchase of land formerly owned by Hewlett Packard to create a dynamic campus fit for the 21st twenty first century.

“In a smaller, but no less important way, we are holding a ‘Feel Good Week’ starting on Wednesday (3 December) as a preview tofor our Feel Good February.

“So we’ll have a Christmas market, music, a craft fair, tree-decorating, relaxation sessions and sports activities.

“Of course, we recognise that not everyone is as fortunate as we are, so we are supporting a number of projects, such as Caring at Christmas, as part of our contribution to the community.”

People involved in tourism also think Bristol will weather the storm. Managing director of Destination Bristol John Hallett said: “Over the years, I have seen the economic tide go up and down and what has struck me is just how resilient Bristol has proven to be.

“When things have got a little difficult, Bristol has a track record of going into the difficult times relatively late and emerging from them relatively early.

“This city has got some fantastic strengths, particularly in our creative and cultural sectors, and Bristol’s credentials in the sustainable agenda are great for the future.”