The Association was founded by Mr Bill Coate of Coates Fencing in 1957; His idea was to provide a social forum for like-minded Industrial and Commercial business leaders to exchange views on commercial and related topics.

It is the tradition of club members to toast "The Queen" at the opening of each meeting, using the Silver Goblets that were presented by the members on the Silver Jubilee of the club in 1982.

The purpose of the club remains important in today's modern business climate, where time is precious and Senior Business Leaders often neglect a small amount of "time out ". Meetings are an opportunity to review their own business position, local economy and politics and re-charge their batteries whist, discussing new business opportunities and the world at large with friends.

The Association, historically known as "The 20 Club" has several key Honorary Members who have voluntarily kept the club going for many years. Notably Mr Norman Hucker, Honorary Treasurer, Mr Peter Fletcher, Honorary member; Mr Terry Green, Honorary member and Mrs Wendy White, Honorary Secretary.

We aim to provide support to our members both in terms of advise, friendship and business expertise as well as giving all members opportunities of networking with other local business leaders.

Moving forward into the next decade our plan is to continue to expand the club with new members and to arrange more special events/speakers that are of interest to our members as well as forging links with the Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce and other like minded groups to promote Bridgwater Businesses.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Association of Bridgwater Industrialists; is specifically to help Member Industrial and Commercial companies in the Bridgwater area. We aim to bring together members from the Industrial sector and Local Government to provide an environment that actively encourages; Manufacturing, Engineering and Commercial activity in the Bridgwater area.

Goals

• Provide a forum for Members to network with other local industrial business leaders.
• Encourage business to business trade within the Bridgwater area
• Identify business issues and work towards resolving them
• Provide a directory of Industrial businesses
• Provide marketing opportunities for members by raising their profile locally
• Raise funds for charitable organisations