BCC press release: new non-executive director appointed to BCC board 

The BCC is pleased to announce that Michael Hayman MBE DL, has been appointed to its board as an independent member.  

Michael, who is currently the UK Chair for strategic communications consultancy Bully Pulpit International, was chosen after an extensive selection process carried out by the Nominations Committee.  

He will formally take up the role, subject to Member approval, at the BCC’s Annual General Meeting, in London, on October 15, 2025.  

Sarah Howard MBE, Chair of the BCC, said:   

“We are excited to welcome Michael and look forward to making the most of his capabilities as we continue to drive the BCC’s mission forward. His broad business knowledge, close working relationship with chambers and experience with start-ups will be invaluable.” 

Speaking about his appointment, Michael Hayman MBE DL, said:  

“I am delighted to have been appointed to the Board of the BCC and look forward to serving alongside businesspeople from across its Chamber network.   

“When I previously chaired the BCC’s Global Britain Challenge group, I was impressed with the scale of its ambition to make the UK the best place to start, grow and invest in business. 

“This is a pivotal time for firms; it is crucial that the government hears loud and clear what it must do to support growth. I’m here to make sure the BCC gets that message across as effectively as possible and I can’t wait to get involved.” 

Michael is a business founder, strategic advisor and board leader, recognised for his work as a brand innovator, author and campaigner for enterprise. He co-founded Seven Hills BPI, the award-winning campaigns firm acquired by Bully Pulpit International (BPI), where he now chairs UK operations and serves on the global leadership team.  

He has advised many of the UK’s most dynamic companies and leaders on building innovative, high-impact businesses and trusted brands. 

He also co-founded StartUp Britain, the national initiative backed by government to promote early-stage enterprise, and chaired the Small Business Charter, overseeing delivery of the government’s Help to Grow programme. This has helped over 10,000 growth firms to receive support from UK business schools.   

He led the British Chambers of Commerce’s national review on inward investment and has worked extensively on the regional growth agenda. He is Co-Chair of True North, a network of 500 businesses across the North of England, and previously was a board member of Creative Sheffield, the city’s then economic regeneration agency. 

He is Chair of Entrepreneurs at Coutts, the British private bank and wealth manager. A Penguin co-author of Mission: How the Best in Business Break Through, he is recognised for his contributions to enterprise and to universities and business schools, where he serves as Honorary Professor at both the University of London and Nottingham Business School.  

He also chairs the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Advisory Council and is a Deputy Lieutenant for Surrey. Michael was awarded an MBE for services to enterprise promotion.