Reinvention, resilience and rural enterprise inspire Dorset business leaders

More than 100 business leaders joined Evolve’s latest Leaders Lunch to hear Dorset farmer and entrepreneur Ben Chick share his story of family business, resilience and embracing change.
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Rachel Hadfield
October 6, 2026

More than 100 business leaders came together in Bournemouth for the latest Evolve Leaders Lunch, where Dorset arable farmer and entrepreneur Ben Chick shared his engaging story of family business, diversification and having the courage to try something new.

 

Hosted by Evolve founder Warren Munson at the Marsham Court Hotel and sponsored by Ellis Jones Solicitors and Azets, the bi-annual event brought together business owners, founders and senior leaders from across the region for an afternoon of conversations and insight.

 

During a fascinating Q&A with Warren, Ben talked about growing up as a third-generation farmer at Thorneydown Farm in Sixpenny Handley and the realities facing British farming today, where diversification has increasingly become about protecting the future of the family business.

 

He also shared the story behind Chalk & Padel, a new rural indoor padel, wellbeing and community hub being developed on the family farm, including the investment and risk involved in building something completely different, while respecting the heritage and legacy of the business.

 

Ben spoke honestly about his experience of chronic fatigue while in his early 20s and how it changed his perspective on health and ambition, as well as the extraordinary journey that saw him join the Hawkstone Choir and go on to win Britain’s Got Talent.

 

Warren Munson, commented: “Ben was a fantastic guest for our latest Leaders Lunch, and we were delighted to have the opportunity to hear his story, from growing up on the family farm and facing significant health challenges, to now building something entirely new and different. His story touched on so many of the realities of running a family business, taking risks and building resilience to recognising when you need to do things differently.

 

“Embracing change, while still respecting the legacy of a family business is something that I think many business owners in the room could relate to.”

 

The Evolve Leaders Lunch is held twice each year and forms part of Evolve’s commitment to bringing the local business community together to connect, share experiences and learn from one another.

Authored by:

Rachel Hadfield

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