Agenda item

This report seeks approval for the following Business Plans relating to the Bristol Holding Group of companies: 

1. 2025/26 Business Plan of Bristol Holding Limited (company number: 09485669); and
2. 2025/2026-2026/27 Business Plan (including the 10-year vision) of Bristol Waste Company Limited (company number: 09472624)  

The Committee RESOLVED:

1. To approve the 2025/26 Business Plan of Bristol Holding Limited, company number 09485669 (unanimous vote in favour).

2. To approve the 2024/2026-2026/27 Business Plan of the Bristol Waste Company Limited, company number 09472624 (unanimous vote in favour).

3. To note the 10-year Vision of Bristol Waste Company Limited, company number 09472624.

The Committee considered a report (agenda item 7) seeking approval for the following Business Plans relating to the Bristol Holding Group of companies:

a. 2025/26 Business Plan of Bristol Holding Limited (company number: 09485669);

b. 2024/2026-2026/27 Business Plan of the Bristol Waste Company Limited (company number: 09472624).

The report also set out, for information and for noting, the 10-year vision of Bristol Waste Company Limited.

It was noted that this was a key decision report as it had a significant effect on two or more wards.

The Bristol Holding Limited Group Finance Director presented the 2025/26 Business Plan of Bristol Holding Limited.

Summary of main points raised/noted in relation to the 2025/26 Business Plan of Bristol Holding Limited:

1. It was noted that the Bristol Holding Business Plan was a one-year plan based on operating for 2025/2026 with two subsidiaries in the group (Bristol Waste Company and Goram Homes).

2. It was noted that the Business Plan assumed that Bristol Holding would continue to provide a vital role in providing assurance and good governance for the Council owned companies. 

3. It was noted that Bristol Holding had reduced in scale over the last 18 months and aimed to provide an agile, focused and value for money operation.  In response to a question, it was confirmed that if this work was taken ‘in-house’ by the Council, increased costs would be incurred. 

The Bristol Waste Company Limited Managing Director then led a presentation of the 2024/2026-2026/27 Business Plan of the Bristol Waste Company Limited.

Summary of main points raised/noted in relation to the 2024/2026-2026/27 Business Plan of the Bristol Waste Company Limited:

1. It was noted that the Bristol Waste Business Plan was a two-year business plan. It outlined Bristol Waste Company’s strategic direction, financial objectives, priorities and commercial ambition, and was in line with the previously approved three-year plan 2024–2027.

2. In response to a question, it was confirmed that as a Teckal company wholly owned by the Council, at least 80% of Bristol Waste’s activity must be derived from the Council as its owner, whilst up to 20% could be derived from commercial activities.

3. In response to questions, the Bristol Waste Managing Director confirmed the company’s commitment to the 5 strategic priorities as set out in the 10 year vision, and outlined further detail in relation to Priority 1: ‘Ensure we are safe’ and Priority 2: ‘Deliver for our customers’.

4. It was noted that significant investment was planned at Avonmouth Household Reuse and Recycling Centre, to improve recyclate processing capacity and to support municipal and commercial services.  In response to questions, it was further noted that:

- this phase of the development at Avonmouth was seen as the next stage in the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability.

- the improved facility could potentially be used for region-wide activity.

- the Company was committed to being an employer of choice, including opening up local employment opportunities for residents across the city’s communities.

- the Company was committed to further developing reuse services.

5. In discussion, the ambitions set out in the Business Plan and 10 year vision were generally welcomed. Attention was drawn, however, to the service delivery challenges faced by the Company over the last year in terms of the reliability and effectiveness of waste collection and recycling services for residents.  In response to questions, it was noted that:

- the Company was determined to deliver a sustainable, improved service – this ambition was fully reflected through the Business Plan which included a focus on driving up performance; it was acknowledged that the Company needed to build a service that was trusted by residents.

- the Company was committed to being a modern, agile learning organisation which would learn from the challenges that had been faced.

- as part of improving its service offer, active consideration would be given by the Company to new service innovations, for example in relation to food waste, and expanding recycling services available to residents living in flats.

6. It was suggested that it would be important for the Company to maintain ongoing, effective engagement and communication with ward councillors and wider stakeholders.

7. In response to questions, it was noted that the investment at Avonmouth would help build resilience in terms of the Albert Road baling system.  The Albert Road site was running at capacity; it was anticipated that it would be possible to divert some collections from the north of the city to Avonmouth once the new facility was open.  This would then allow an opportunity to invest in maintenance on the existing baler at Albert Road.

8. In response to a question, it was noted that in light of successful recruitment over the last year, it was anticipated that the Company’s commercial activities would strengthen and expand over the life of the Business Plan.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the Chair moved the report recommendations, noting that recommendation 3 was for noting only.

This was seconded by Cllr Williams.

The Committee RESOLVED:

1. To approve the 2025/26 Business Plan of Bristol Holding Limited, company number 09485669 (unanimous vote in favour).

2. To approve the 2024/2026-2026/27 Business Plan of the Bristol Waste Company Limited, company number 09472624 (unanimous vote in favour).

3. To note the 10-year Vision of Bristol Waste Company Limited, company number 09472624.