In 2003, Bede founded the brass quintet Alba Brass and remained as its Artistic Director until 2018, having led the group on international tours to the Middle East, Europe, North America and all four nations of the United Kingdom. With Alba Brass he produced Fair Peched, a landmark recording of brass chamber music from Scotland. Between 2014 and 2022 he performed with the Wallace Collection, making numerous recordings on historic and modern instruments, with frequent performances both nationally in Scotland and internationally. He has championed the chamber music of several contemporary composers by not only commissioning, premiering, and recording new work, but also by recording works at risk of being forgotten after otherwise successful premieres. He developed a close relationship with the eminent New Zealand composer Lyell Cresswell before his death. For many years he has enjoyed performing with his wife Vicky, also a trumpeter, as the Williams Duo.