Michael Bothamley, one of Bristol’s highest-profile business figures, was today named as the city’s new High Sheriff with a pledge to bring the business community and young people closer together.
Mr Bothamley, pictured, was sworn in by Mr Justice Blake, Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, at a ceremony at Bristol Crown Court which was also attended by civic dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant of the City and County of Bristol, Mrs Mary Prior, and the Lord Mayor of Bristol, Faruk Choudhury. 
James Myatt, a partner in law firm Thrings’ private client team, has was reappointed Under Sheriff.
High Sheriffs are appointed personally by the sovereign and are their representatives in the counties, responsible for law and order. The High Sheriff also supports initiatives promoting crime reduction and through the High Sheriff’s fund, makes grants to local projects.
Before his swearing in, Mr Bothamley, sector head for real estate at national law firm DAC Beachcroft’s Bristol office and a past president of Business West, said: “For me, a vital focus of the High Sheriff's role is the place where young people and the law and order agenda meet.
“That’s where there’s a marvellous cross-over between the High Sheriff’s responsibility to encourage the voluntary sector, and its support by business, and his duty to uphold the principal organs of the Constitution – Queen and Royal Family, Judiciary, Police and emergency services and the local authority.
“As a past President of Business West, a member of the Society of Merchant Venturers and someone who’s been involved with a wide range of charities, I’ve made great connections in all those areas.
“I’m now relishing the chance to bring those connections together with the new people I’m going to meet and the projects I’m going to learn about, to help maximise collaboration and leverage.
“Over the last few years, public funding of services we’ve taken for granted has reduced. Typically, Bristolians have responded with increased support for local, grass roots initiatives to fill the gap. It’s the job of the High Sheriff to support and encourage them.”
He said outgoing High Sheriff Shaheen Chaudhry had done tremendously well, bringing people together and raising and using the funds of the High Sheriff’s charity to support local youth projects. “I hope to carry on where she leaves off,” he said.
The unpaid and voluntary role of High Sheriff is the oldest secular office in the UK after the Crown, with a history going back more than 1,000 years. High Sheriffs, like Lord Lieutenants, are appointed personally by the Sovereign – the High Sheriff is responsible for law and order and the Lord Lieutenant for civil and other matters.
As well as president of Business West, in recent years Mr Bothamley has been involved in the Anchor Society and the Canynges Society, chairman of governors at Colston’s Girls’ School, a member of the South West Regional Council of the Prince’s Trust, and a trustee of the Tobacco Factory, Bristol Zoo and Clifton Rugby Club. DAC Beachcroft’s Bristol office is its largest in the UK, employing 680 people.
As Under Sheriff, James Myatt will provide advice and administrative support to the new High Sheriff.
He said: “I am proud to have served under 12 previous High Sheriffs, and am looking forward to working with Michael to uphold the history and traditions of the role and promoting the benefits which the office of High Sheriff brings to the people of Bristol.”
James Myatt joined Thrings' Bristol office in February from firm Lyons Davidson, where he was a partner and head of the private client division. He is well-known in the Bristol business community, having also previously held the position of Master of the Guild of Guardians, the charitable organisation which aims to improve the quality of the civic life in Bristol.
