Over the past 15 years, BBF has evolved into a trusted partner for businesses across Buckinghamshire. Together with partners, we've helped thousands of businesses start, grow and innovate, secured investment for the county, championed skills and careers, and created partnerships that strengthen our local economy. We've supported businesses through periods of significant challenge and change, while ensuring Buckinghamshire's business voice is heard at regional and national level.

What has always inspired me is the impact this work has on people's lives. Whether it's helping a business take on its first employee, supporting an entrepreneur to launch a new venture, connecting young people with career opportunities, or bringing together organisations to solve shared challenges, the work BBF does matters because it helps create a stronger, more prosperous Buckinghamshire for everyone. None of that would be possible without the support of our members, partners and stakeholders, and for that we are incredibly grateful.

At BBF, we've recently been planning for the next chapter for our leadership. Having worked within the economic development eco system for over 22 years,  with 15 of those as BBF Group CEO,  the time has come for me  to hand over the reins. As part of a planned leadership transition, I will be handing over the role of BBF CEO to Lynsey Dunn on 1 September. Lynsey has been part of the BBF senior management team since 2011 and throughout that time, has played a key role in shaping many of the programmes, partnerships and initiatives that define the organisation today. 

BBF's mission remains unchanged. We will continue to support businesses, champion skills, strengthen partnerships and act as a leading voice for Buckinghamshire's economy. Our members, partners and stakeholders can rest assured that the organisation will continue to deliver the programmes, services and connections that make a difference across the county. 

I am incredibly proud of everything the BBF team has achieved and grateful to the many businesses, partners, funders and stakeholders who have been part of the last 15 years. People often assume that a CEO drives an organisation's success. The reality is that no CEO achieves anything alone. Every success we have celebrated, every business supported, every project delivered, every challenge overcome has been the result of a team effort. I have simply had the privilege of being part of that journey and, for a period of time, helping to steer it. 

Over the years we've navigated recessions, the pandemic, changes in government policy, organisational growth and funding challenges. Through all of that, one thing has remained constant: the commitment, resilience and passion of the BBF team.   What I am most proud of isn't a particular project, contract or financial result. It is the reputation that BBF has built. We are known for delivering and most importantly, we genuinely care about the businesses, partners and the communities we serve.

The organisation is in a strong position, with an exceptional team, a supportive Board, a clear strategy and, in Lynsey, an outstanding individual ready to lead the next chapter. While leadership may change, the things that make BBF special remain the same: a commitment to collaboration, a passion for supporting businesses and an unwavering belief in Buckinghamshire's potential.

As I look ahead to this next chapter, I do so with great confidence. BBF has an important role to play in shaping the future prosperity of our county, and I know that under Lynsey's leadership it will continue to grow its impact and support even more businesses to succeed.  For me personally, this has been much more than a job. It has been an absolute privilege. I've learned a huge amount, met incredible people and had opportunities I could never have imagined when I first started this journey. 

Thank you all for your support and for being part of the BBF story so far. I have every confidence that BBF's most successful years still lie ahead.