Simon elected to new role at chamber

REIDsteel managing director Simon Boyd is the new vice-president at Dorset Chamber.

He was elected to the position at the annual meeting of the chamber of commerce, which is the county’s leading business support organisation.

Simon steps up to the role after first becoming a non-executive on the board of the chamber in 2019.

He will serve with newly elected president Gareth Sherwood, chief executive of YMCA Bournemouth, and fellow board members.

The chamber’s first ever patron was also announced at the annual meeting – HM Lord Lieutenant for Dorset Michael Dooley.

Simon said: “I will promote the needs of our members and the many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that make up the majority of businesses within Dorset and beyond.

“I will listen to the views of members and work with the chamber’s chief executive and board to represent their interests and deliver the business support that Dorset needs and deserves. I will champion our business community as the true engine of growth, innovation, social mobility and prosperity.”

Nearly 100 business people attended the annual meeting at the Marriott Hotel in Bournemouth before the chamber’s annual Christmas lunch for 160 guests, which included a toy collection and raffle in aid of the Cash for Kids charity.

REIDsteel donated a Christmas hamper for the raffle, which raised £2,400. The charity is dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the South Coast.



The chamber of commerce, with more than 600 members representing 37,000 employees, is the county’s voice of business. Founded in 1949. it is the only chamber in Dorset accredited to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).