One of the country’s top business leaders is set to speak at a Dorset Chamber event.

Shevaun Haviland, who is director general of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), will appear the chamber’s President’s Lunch on April 19.

Dorset Chamber president Caron Khan is hosting the lunch, which will also mark the official launch of a three-day Dorset Business Festival 2023 being held in October.

She said: “Shevaun is one of the UK’s most influential and high-profile business leaders so I am delighted that she has agreed to speak at my President’s Lunch as my special guest.

“The event will also herald the build-up to our much anticipated Business Festival in what promises to be a very exciting year for the Dorset Chamber.”

Ms Haviland will give the keynote speech at the lunch at the Italian Villa in Poole with a focus on the work of the BCC, the economy and campaigning priorities for 2023 to 2024.

Dorset Chamber – the leading business support provider – is the only organisation in the county to be accredited by the BCC.

As Dorset’s voice of business it works with the BCC and fellow chambers to champion the cause of members and influence decision makers at Westminster.

The President’s Lunch, sponsored by Dorset Business Premier Festival Partner Lester Aldridge, is one of the highlights of the chamber’s calendar.

Chief executive Ian Girling said: “This promises to be a superb event with one of the titans of the business world.

“Our thanks go to Shevaun for agreeing to attend and to Lester Aldridge for its much valued support.”

The Dorset Business Festival 2023 will include a major conference, a business exhibition and the revamped Dorset Business Awards 2023.

The BCC campaigns for business and its opinions are regularly sought by policymakers and parliamentarians, helping shape the UK’s business agenda for more than 160 years.

Shevaun’s CV includes roles at the Walt Disney Company, WPP, Dot Native and an edtech charitable foundation as well as the Cabinet Office and Number 10 where she managed business partnerships and ran the Inclusive Economy Partnership.

The Italian Villa is at Compton Acres, near Sandbanks in Poole.

Visit https://dorsetchamber.co.uk/event/presidents-lunch/ to book and for more information.