Chrissy Forder leads Executive Association Solent into 37th year
An association in the South which supports directors in running better businesses has a new leader.
Chrissy Forder, a director at IT provider Southern Solutions in Whiteley is the 36th chairperson of the Executive Association Solent.
The annual handover at the association’s 404th luncheon took place at the world-renowned Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa in the New Forest.
Every monthly networking luncheon has taken place at the venue since the not-for-profit association was established by Stuart Percival in 1989.
Now in its 37th year, there are more than 30 member companies from across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire.
Chrissy was passed on the chain of office by Matt Thomas of Poole-based Clerica AI, which specialises in mortgage and protection administration for business owners, professionals and the self-employed.
Vice-chair is Simon Hawtrey-Coombs, a business leader and entrepreneur who became one of DPD’s most successful franchise operators before successful exiting the delivery company last year.
Stuart, who is the association’s president, said: “Chrissy and Simon will be building on Matt’s great work in taking the association, which has stood strong over four decades, to the next level.”
Chrissy said: “The Executive Association Solent provides a reassuring space for directors to talk openly about the challenges and opportunities of running a business, with insights, tips and guidance provided in the networking luncheons we hold 11 times a year.
“Each attendee also stands up for to speak about the latest trends and issues in their sectors – we learn a lot from one another this way.
“What is clear from over the years of being a member is just how much support there is from this vibrant business network – a network that has weathered economic storms from the global financial crash and Brexit to the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.”
Luncheons – held on the third Friday afternoon of each month – have guest speakers from the regional business community.
In the latest event, members were asked to provide one key business tip – they ranged from knowing your breakeven down to the last pound and pence to why having a burgundy-cover British passport could cause travel issues.
Chris Croft, a keynote speaker who specialises in project and time management, signed off the chairwoman’s handover luncheon with suggestions and anecdotes on how busy business owners can recoup precious time.