Dorset Chamber has appointed the first honorary figurehead of its kind in its history – HM Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset Michael Dooley.
He was announced in the newly created role of ‘patron’ before the start of the business support organisation’s annual meeting when its new president, vice-president and other office bearers were elected.
Gareth Sherwood, chief executive of YMCA Bournemouth, was chosen as president and Simon Boyd, managing director of REIDsteel, became vice-president.
Nearly 100 business people attended the event at the Marriott Hotel in Bournemouth before the chamber’s annual Christmas lunch for 160 guests, which included a toy collection and raffle in aid of the Cash for Kids charity.
The chamber of commerce, with more than 600 members representing 37,000 employees is the county’s voice of business. Founded in 1949. it is the only chamber in Dorset accredited to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).
Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “Congratulations to our new president and newly elected officers, and a warm welcome to our new patron Michael Dooley, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset.
“Gareth is an exceptional business leader who will bring great energy, experience and insight to the role of president while the appointment of Michael further strengthens our mission to foster growth, collaboration and opportunity for businesses of all sizes.
“His role of patron is a significant one – symbolic of our values, our ambition and our commitment to serving the business community across Dorset.”
Ian added: “Despite what is expected to be another challenging year ahead, there was a great deal of characteristic positivity amongst businesses at the annual meeting which gives cause for optimism as we look ahead.”
The Lord Lieutenant is the Crown’s representative in Dorset. Mr Dooley was appointed in September 2024. His professional career was in medicine, including roles as a consultant at the Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester, and consultant gynaecologist to the Royal Household.
Mr Dooley said: “I look forward to working with you. Not as a distant symbol, but as a patron who serves, supports, and celebrates your success in an apolitical way.
“May Dorset continue to be a county where businesses prosper, where innovation inspires and where our communities flourish in harmony.”
Gareth succeeded Tony Brown of Y-not Finance as president. Tony continues on the chamber board as past president.
Gareth said: “My commitment as your president is to lead with hope, honesty and a bit of humour — to be vocal on your behalf, pragmatic in approach, fair in dealing and free of ego.”
Newly elected board members were May Palmer, who is managing director of Harry J Palmer Holdings Ltd; Kimberley Davies, who is Partner and Head of Family – Dorset at Trethowans; and Marsham Court Hotel managing director Rosie Radwell.
New ambassadors were Jonny Bush from Enhanced, Debbie Smith from Bournemouth and Poole College, Lucy Filer of the TC Group and Kurt Lee from Lester Aldridge. Helen Stacey from Aspire Jobs continues as chair and as a board member.
Guests at the Christmas lunch – sponsored by Rathbones – brought along gifts for Cash for Kids’ toy drive collection and entered a raffle which raised £2,400.
The charity is dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the South Coast.