Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce

BELONG. CONNECT. PROSPER

Our Board of Directors & Ambassadors

Nigel Hedges

President

Having joined Bournemouth Chamber in 2004, Nigel became President in 2008, by which time he had worked as an engraver in Bournemouth town centre for 30 years. A lifelong Bournemouth resident, he is now serving his second era as President and his seventh term in the role.
 
Nigel remains determined to put something back into the town that has always been his home. He considers it a continuing honour to devote his time to the Chamber, an institution with more than 110 years of history dedicated to creating a better business community.

Christian Farah

Vice President

Christian is a financial adviser at Quilter Financial Advisers, helping individuals and businesses make informed financial decisions that support long-term security and success. Having been involved with Bournemouth Chamber for around two years, he is particularly passionate about encouraging younger entrepreneurs to engage with the local business community.

Christian played a key role in developing the Chamber’s Next Gen Network, helping to create opportunities for future business leaders. As Vice President of the Chamber, he is committed to helping businesses across the region connect, grow and thrive, while supporting the next generation to build strong relationships within Bournemouth’s business community.

Robert Head

Vice President

Robert is a qualified Funeral Director in his family business, Head & Wheble, which has served bereaved families in the local community for 100 years. The business has been part of the Chamber since it opened, while Bournemouth has been home to the Head family for two centuries.

A husband, father and son, Robert supports local charities and enjoys sport, travel and staying active. He believes Bournemouth’s future depends on a strong business community, better infrastructure, thoughtful long-term decisions, greater diversity, togetherness and mutual support. As Vice President and Director, he is committed to helping the town thrive.

Aiden Arnkels‑Webb

Director

Aiden is the founder of Rootwire, a Bournemouth-based systems and security consultancy helping small and medium-sized businesses improve their processes, technology and protection. Having built his first website at 11, he now has 17 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity. CISSP-qualified, Aiden works mainly with owner-led trades and professional services businesses, helping them become more profitable, productive and secure. He also convenes the Chamber’s Digital Growth Specialist Network, where business owners receive practical support with digital growth challenges.

Aiden believes good decisions should be measured rather than guessed and that Bournemouth businesses deserve straight answers about the systems they rely on.

Libby Herbert

Director

Libby has worked in marketing for more than 18 years, building broad experience across the full marketing mix before establishing and growing her own marketing agency. She helps businesses achieve sustainable growth through practical marketing strategies focused on measurable results.

As a Director of Bournemouth Chamber, Libby supports the local business community by sharing her knowledge and experience, helping members make valuable connections and encouraging collaboration across the region. Passionate about seeing local businesses thrive, she is proud to contribute to the Chamber’s continued growth and success.

Abhishek Jhawar

Director

Abhishek is a business growth leader, sales strategist and community advocate with more than 17 years of international commercial experience across technology, cybersecurity, media and community sectors. He has led high-performing teams across the UK, Europe, the Americas and APAC, and currently serves as Director of Growth & Business Development at Databox 360, helping organisations strengthen cybersecurity resilience and achieve sustainable growth.

A founder of BPC Indian Community, one of Dorset’s largest voluntary community organisations, he also promotes diversity and community cohesion. As a Bournemouth Chamber Director, Abhishek focuses on collaboration, inclusive membership, advocacy and meaningful opportunities for businesses across the region.

Karem Ward

Director

Karem is a Senior Account Manager for two local businesses, YourSpace and Hi Tech Services. A people person with many years of customer service experience, he enjoys resolving customer issues and working with teams to deliver exemplary service.

Karem is excited to serve as a Bournemouth Chamber Director and to work alongside fellow Directors and Chamber members. Through the role, he hopes to support the continued growth and development of Bournemouth’s business community, bringing his customer-focused outlook and experience of working with local businesses to the Board.

Michelle Reade

Director

Michelle is a business and leadership coach and strategist with more than 26 years supporting founders and franchise networks, including 17 years in senior franchise development. She has helped over 1,000 business owners and founded Michelle Reade Coaching in January 2025, working with established founder-led businesses across Dorset and the UK. She also founded The Connection and Dorset Health & Wellness Networking and was a UK StartUp Award Finalist in 2026.

Michelle joined the Chamber Board because she believes good business support should be accessible. She wants owners to feel less alone and more able to build businesses they are proud of.

Roger Eede

Director

Roger has been associated with Bournemouth Chamber since 2004, when he regularly attended meetings at Bournemouth Town Hall as Treasurer of the Boscombe Traders Association. After moving to Moordown, he established the Moordown Traders Association, which he supported until 2020 when the BH9 Trading District was founded. With experience in local government and several personal business ventures, Roger has consistently supported grassroots enterprise initiatives.

He is now Co-Director of a company preparing to support environmentally friendly green start-up programmes in Bournemouth. As a Chamber Director, he brings long-standing local business experience and a commitment to helping enterprise across the town.

Sona Madan

Director and Treasurer

Sona is a qualified Chartered Accountant and former auditor with a strong background in finance, business and leadership. She now runs an events business, combining her professional experience with her creativity and passion for bringing people together through events and the arts.

Sona also founded Bombay Dance Club, which unites people of all ages through dance, culture and performance. As a Director and Treasurer of Bournemouth Chamber, she brings financial and business expertise to support the Chamber and its members. She believes local businesses are central to a thriving society and is committed to collaboration, community and Bournemouth’s success.

Lorna Child

Director

Lorna is a radio presenter for Bournemouth One with a diverse background in media and the creative industries. She has worked with film festivals, organised writing competitions, including projects with the BBC, and written children’s stories for radio that were brought to life by CBeebies presenters. Passionate about community, business and creativity, she creates opportunities for people to connect, build friendships and collaborate.

Lorna joined Bournemouth Chamber because she believes strong relationships and a supportive business community help everyone succeed. Whether presenting, hosting events or championing local businesses, she brings warmth, enthusiasm and a desire to make a positive difference.

Kate Neal

Business Development Executive

Kate spent 40 years working in taxation before taking early retirement from a local accountancy firm in March 2023 and joining Bournemouth Chamber shortly afterwards. Her Chamber role covers membership and events, with a particular focus on growing membership, helping to organise events and supporting the marketing team.

Her four decades in taxation give her extensive professional experience to draw on when supporting the Chamber’s membership, event and marketing activity. Outside her Chamber responsibilities, she enjoys travelling and spending time with her family.

Rosa Trout

Ambassador

Rosa is a psychotherapist in clinical training and serves as the South West Representative on the UKCP Members Forum. She has a strong background in leadership, governance and community engagement, including work in family support, and is passionate about wellbeing, meaningful connection and positive social change.

Rosa also hosts the Bournemouth Walk for Freedom, raising awareness and campaigning against modern-day slavery. As a Bournemouth Chamber Ambassador, she is proud to support the local business community and looks forward to contributing to the Chamber’s continued growth and impact through her experience of community engagement, connection and advocacy.

Find out more about BCTC

Our Board of Directors

Our board reflects the dynamic business leadership in Bournemouth to position BCTC as the leading voice for businesses in the communities we serve.

Our Patrons

Becoming a Patron of BCTC identifies your business as a leader in the Bournemouth economy. Providing regular access to key government representatives.

Our Membership Groups

BCTC are linked with many other membership groups within the local area. You can find out more about who we work with using the find out more button below.