A Dorset farmer has shared how family farming, health challenges and a new padel venture shaped his approach to business at a leaders’ lunch in Bournemouth. More than 100 business leaders heard a Dorset farmer’s business story at a Bournemouth lunch. Ben Chick, who grew up at Thorneydown Farm in Sixpenny Handley, joined Evolve founder Warren Munson for a question and answer session at the Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth during the latest Evolve Leaders Lunch. He discussed growing up in a third generation farming family, the pressures facing British farming, and the family’s work to devel
More than 100 business leaders heard a Dorset farmer’s business story at a Bournemouth lunch.
Ben Chick, who grew up at Thorneydown Farm in Sixpenny Handley, joined Evolve founder Warren Munson for a question and answer session at the Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth during the latest Evolve Leaders Lunch.
He discussed growing up in a third generation farming family, the pressures facing British farming, and the family’s work to develop Chalk and Padel, a rural indoor padel, wellbeing and community hub.
The project is being developed on the family farm, with Ben describing the investment and risk involved in creating a new part of the business while respecting its heritage and legacy.
Ben also spoke about chronic fatigue in his early 20s and how it changed his view of health and ambition, as well as his time with the Hawkstone Choir, which won Britain’s Got Talent.
Warren said Ben’s story showed “the realities of running a family business” and said many business owners in the room could relate to “embracing change” while respecting a family legacy.
