Enterprise thrives when its voice is heard. That belief guides our work at BPI – and today we are proud to announce that our UK Chair Michael Hayman MBE DL has been unanimously elected Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).
The BCC represents 51 accredited Chambers across the UK and 75 international Chambers. It is a movement built to last, having supported British business through industrial revolutions, economic shocks, and profound technological change.
As Chair of BPI UK, Michael is a go to advisor for senior business leaders and strategist in campaigning communications for corporations around the world. He will be bringing that expertise to the Chambers network, further supporting businesses in navigating this fast-changing economic landscape.
Attitude as the Catalyst for Growth
In his acceptance remarks to the BCC Board, Michael framed the challenges of the current age – from the AI revolution to evolving global trade patterns – around the concept of “readiness”. He emphasised that for the UK to succeed in a competitive world, it must pair policy and infrastructure with the right mindset:
“The British Chambers of Commerce is more than an organisation. It is a movement built to last. It has stood the test of time over centuries. And it is a movement that has stood with British business — through industrial revolutions, economic shocks, technological change and moments of profound national challenge.
That longevity gives the Chambers something incredibly valuable: perspective. A lens developed over the long term. A voice shaped by the lived experience of businesses navigating challenge after challenge. And credibility earned the way every entrepreneur understands — by treading the hard yards.
The true grit of business. The ability to adapt, evolve and stay relevant. Because entrepreneurs understand something instinctively: readiness alone is never enough. It is attitude that turns readiness into action. And across the Chambers network I see that attitude everywhere. The determination to build. The confidence to innovate. The resilience to keep going when the path is anything but easy.”
Looking Ahead
As Chair, Michael will lead the BCC board in guiding the strategic direction of the network. His focus will be on bringing the lived experience of companies into the heart of policy-making, ensuring the movement is focused and ready to build the next chapter of British prosperity.
Reflecting on the appointment, Michael added:
“The role of the British Chambers of Commerce is more vital than ever. Our job is to champion the businesses that power our economy. To bring the lived experience of companies into the heart of policy making. And to ensure that this great movement is match fit, focused and ready for the moment we are in.”