Steve is in his second period as President having served as Vice President twice and held a 3-year Presidential term from 2017-2020. He is currently Chair of the Christmas Cracker Event and assists with communications and the website. Former MD and presenter at a local radio station Wessex FM until its sale. He is now Head of Business Support Services running a county-wide Growth Hub, and a director of the Dorchester community radio station KeeP106. He has served on the executive committee for 11 years.
Steph Addison was co-opted on to the Exec in May 2023. Steph is the Deputy Marketing Manager - Business Development & Schools Liaison at Kingston Maurward College. Her current role includes developing commercial & educational business links, building relationships with employers and industry professionals for provision of learning, events & special projects. Steph recently ran a programme with the Bermudan Parks Department which included training in that county. She is also a local Guide unit leader.!
Hazel was appointed by the Executive as Secretary in March 2021. She owns Signature Office Support and has over 20 years' experience working as an administrator and PA within different industries including, healthcare, education, and finance producing high quality professional work. Based in the heart of Dorset, she provides on-site business administration support, including minute taking services and event support within county. Hazel is our GDPR controller and assists with networking events.
Robert joined Albert Goodman in 2017 following the completion of his degree in Accounting and Finance. In early 2021 Robert qualified as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. Robert works in the business services department looking after a mixed portfolio of owner-managed businesses across a range of individuals to medium sized corporate entities providing financial accounting, tax, and business advice. Outside of work Robert enjoys badminton and skiing, alongside being a keen supporter of Chelsea Football Club.
Steve was Vice President before becoming President from 2017 to 2020 and has been a member of the executive since 2012. Over that period, he has been involved on the various committees of the executive a representing the chamber’s interests at meetings and liaising with the local authority, other local chambers and the LEP. He is an active member of the Christmas Cracker organisational team. Steve is a partner at Porter Dodson solicitors, practicing in commercial property based in Poundbury and a Dorchester BID board member.
Michaela is an Associate Chartered Banker and Private Banking Manager at Handelsbanken in Poundbury. She has over 14 years banking experience, specialising in helping private clients with their banking and saving requirements. Michaela has lived near Dorchester her whole life and is keen to get more involved with the local community. In her spare time she enjoys supporting the local live music scene and dining out. Michaela is on the Christmas Cracker sub committee as she is a self confessed Christmas fan.
Richard Southam joined the executive team in November 2022. He Graduated from the Anglo European College of Chiropractic in 1998 an uses a variety of techniques based around sound neurological testing procedures to assess for and adjust imbalances in the nervous system. Helping the body to heal itself by relieving the stresses brought on by modern day living.
Lucy is a partner at Blanchards Bailey LLP solicitors and specialises in contentious probate. She has spent most of her life in the Dorchester area so understands the needs of our local businesses well. Lucy has a keen interest in the education of children in and around Dorchester and is on the board of directors of the Wessex Multi Academy Trust.
Caroline has been a member of the Dorchester Chamber Executive for 11 years. She owns and runs Giants Head Caravan Camping Park at Cerne Abbas and is a long standing Trail Writer for Treasure Trails, writing Trails in Dorset, New Forest and South Devon. In a ‘previous life’ she spent 25 years in Financial services working for a number of national brands.
James is the Event Organiser for the Dorset County Show, and the newly introduced Dorset Spring Show. His role includes the logistical organising of the events, alongside the sales and marketing. The County Show and Spring Show combined welcome over 60,000 people to celebrate life in Dorset. The Events connect the consumer with the producer. James comes from a past of Events and Marketing, with previous roles at the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show and Royal Bath & West Show.
