Dorset: Chamber welcomes new board member

Dorset’s leading business support organisation has boosted its board with a new appointment from the world of financial planning.

Dorset Chamber has welcomed Gary Neild as a non-executive director while it continues to innovate and support businesses.

Neild is managing director of Poole-based Blue Sky Financial Planning, which is a longstanding chamber platinum business partner and supporter of the Young Chamber initiative.

Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “Gary is a charismatic and talented business leader. He will bring a fresh perspective as well as considerable drive, energy and expertise to our already strong and committed board. We look forward to welcoming Gary to his first meeting.”

Dorset Chamber – the county’s voice of business – provides a wide range of business support to help firms drive the local economy.

Neild, who founded Blue Sky Financial Planning in 2002, said: “A flourishing business sector is essential to the wellbeing of any local economy, so it’s important that we cherish and nurture enterprise for the benefit of all. It’s therefore essential that we have a chamber of commerce we can be proud of. Ian Girling and his team have modernised the Chamber into becoming one of the strongest in the country. It’s got a vibe and portrays a passionate heartbeat.”

Neild added: “I was honoured when Ian approached me to become a non-executive director. Being able to crystallise ideas, steer strategy and ensure continued dynamism is something I’m really looking forward to.”

The Dorset Chamber board also comprises chief executive Ian Girling, president Liz Willingham, past president Paul Tansey, chairman of the council Tony Brown, senior vice-president Stephen Mills, junior vice-president Caron Khan, honorary secretary Matthew Fretten and non-executive directors Lesley Keets, Simon Boyd, Nicky Busst and Nicola Newman.

Visit www.dorsetchamber.co.uk for more information.