This, Rees claims, is how he likes to do business. Where other politicians might try to do the job alone, Rees – Bristol’s second-ever directly elected mayor – thinks that being mayor means engaging with the region’s business leaders. He also feels strongly about engaging with other local politicians.

The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) is the embodiment of those two ideas. Formed in February last year, the WECA comprises Bristol council, South Gloucestershire council and Bath and North East Somerset council.