Business leaders to hear story of reinvention from Dorset farmer-turned entrepreneur

Farmer-turned entrepreneur Ben Chick has been announced as the guest speaker for Evolve’s next Leaders Lunch, where he’ll share his journey of business reinvention, rural entrepreneurship and building Chalk & Padel.
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Rachel Hadfield
July 30, 2026

Local business leaders are invited to the next Evolve Leaders Lunch on Friday 2 October, where local farmer-turned entrepreneur and Hawkstone Choir member, Ben Chick will be the guest speaker.

In a Q&A with Evolve founder, Warren Munson, Ben, a third-generation farmer from Sixpenny Handley and founder of Chalk & Padel will share his journey of balancing the legacy of a long-established family farming business with creating something entirely new.

From investing in Dorset’s first rural indoor padel, wellbeing and community hub, to being part of the Britain’s Got Talent-winning Hawkstone Choir, Ben will also discuss overcoming his significant health challenges and why taking a different approach to business, entrepreneurship and wellbeing has never been so important.

Held at Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth, the bi-annual Leaders Lunch event – sponsored by Ellis Jones Solicitors and Azets – welcomes the region’s business leaders for an afternoon of networking, a three-course lunch and discussion.

Speaking about the event, Ben said: “I’ve always believed that some of the best opportunities come from being willing to try something different.  Diversifying the family farm business has challenged me to think differently about what the future of rural enterprise could look like.

“I’m looking forward to sharing the highs, the challenges and lessons I’ve learnt so far with Chalk & Padel with fellow business leaders at the lunch.”

Host, Warren Munson, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Ben to our autumn Leaders Lunch. His story is about far more than farming or padel – it’s about reinvention, resilience and having the confidence to build something new, while respecting the legacy of what’s come before.

“At a time when many business owners are thinking about growth, diversification and what comes next, I think that Ben’s story will offer both inspiration and focus that many of us will relate to.”

Individual tickets (£60+VAT) can be booked via Eventbrite.  Tables of eight (£440+VAT) can be reserved by contacting [email protected].

Authored by:

Rachel Hadfield

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