Local Support, International Reach
Michael, who joined the BCC board in October last year, succeeds Sarah Howard MBE who has served as Chair for the last six and a half years. Sarah will remain on the board for the rest of the year, focusing on particular areas including skills, diversity and international trade.
The BCC chair leads the organisation’s board, guiding the strategic direction of the Chamber network to support business growth, influence government policy, and promote international trade. The Chair acts as a figurehead for 51 accredited UK Chambers, and 75 international Chambers.
Michael is a business founder, strategic advisor and board leader, recognised for his work as a brand innovator, author and campaigner for enterprise. He co-founded Seven Hills BPI, the award-winning campaigns firm acquired by Bully Pulpit International (BPI), where he now chairs UK operations and serves on the global leadership team.
Sarah has served as Chair of the BCC since 2019 and is a past President of Suffolk Chamber. Her professional background includes management consultancy roles at JP Morgan and KPMG. She chairs one of the UK’s leading health and leisure trusts, helped chair startups in the biotech industry, alongside numerous community leadership roles in Suffolk. She was awarded an MBE in 2015 for her work with young people.
“Supporting business has been at the heart of my career, as a founder, as a campaigner, and through the organisations I’ve helped lead.
“Becoming Chair of the BCC is a privilege because this network represents the very best of British business.
“I’m grateful to Sarah for her exceptional leadership and look forward to building on the strong foundations she has laid.
“I can’t wait to start working with the team to further strength the BCC’s advocacy work with policymakers and other stakeholders. I also look forward to doing my bit to help support the growing commercial partnerships.
“Working with colleague across the Chamber network I want to make sure we continue to be seen as the leading organisation for business, as they navigate the fast-changing economic landscape.”
“Serving as Chair of the BCC has been one of the great privileges of my career.
“Over the last six and a half years, I’ve helped take the organisation through a remarkable period of renewal. We‘ve reshaped our image, strengthened our commercial foundations, and truly established the BCC as the leading voice for business.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built over these past few years, including appointing our inspiring Director General Shevaun Haviland. Most of all, I’m proud of how the Chamber network has come together with a shared sense of purpose.
“Michael is a tireless champion for business, and I know he will take the BCC to even greater heights in the coming years.”
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16.03.2026
