Arron Whan
General Manager of The Bell Inn
Since the age of 18 Arron’s been working in music, in various roles, including being a full time DJ. In his twenties he moved into hospitality, running bars, nightclubs and music venues around the country
For the last ten years Arron has run the institution that is The Bell, the biggest and most successful community owned pub in the UK
Obviously, he’s a big music spending much of his leisure time with friends at gigs, or eating out. He’s a gym regular, enjoys walking up mountains and loves to travel – as well as loving to get lost in a good book!
Debbie Boulton
Managing Director at Richardson Swift
Chartered accountant Debbie has worked in the Bath area for over 25 years. She joined Richardson Swift as a director in March 2013 and in 2022 she became the company’s first managing director.
Under her leadership the workforce has expanded and Richardson Swift is now the largest independent accountant based solely in Bath. Her goal is to make Richardson Swift ‘the firm of the future’ by keeping it at the cutting edge of accountancy and tax advisory services in terms of both technology and product offering. She also maintains her own growing client portfolio, covering a range of businesses and sectors. She specialises in working with growing, aspirational businesses particularly on strategic planning.
In 2024 Debbie was named as one of Bath and Somerset’s Top 20 Most Inspiring Women for her work to support local businesses and this year she will be among the elite panel of Bath business experts to judge hopefuls entering Bath Dragons.
Jade Parfitt
Founder of Bath Fashion Festival
Jade started out as a model aged just 15 and went on to work for some of the biggest names in the business, including working with legendary magazines including Versace and Mulberry.
She went on to become the lead presenter for Vogue.co.uk, covering major runway and fashion parties and interviewing celebrities at The Met Ball.
Marianne Cartwright-Hignett
Owner of Iford Manor
Marianne co-owns and manages the Iford Manor Estate, a diversified rural estate that comprises Iford Manor Café & Kitchen, a Grade 1 registered garden, holiday cottage, a c. 1,000 acre farm, renewable energy production, filming and various properties.
She is also Chair of the Historic Houses Business Development Committee. As Mum to two, energetic young boys they love exploring the local area together on weekends and holidays.
Previously Marianne worked in international private equity and the Big Four. She holds a First Class degree in Economics from Cambridge University and is a Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Tax Advisor.
Michael Musgrave
General Manager of Apex City of Bath Hotel
Michael is a passionate hospitality professional with the guest experience always in mind that is dedicated to working alongside his team, leading from the front, engaging at all levels and ensuring the best from everyone.
In September 2024 he was appointed as the new chair of the Bath BID board.
Michelle Pow
Business Development Manager at University of Bath School of Management
Michelle is Business Development Manager for the School of Management at the University of Bath. In this role, she develops partnerships with organizations across employability, projects, research, and executive education.
Previously, she worked as a Placements Officer, helping students secure placement opportunities. Michelle’s notable achievements include founding “Business @ Breakfast,” a popular business network offering workshops and micro-training in business management and leadership, and establishing the ERA (Employer Regional Action Network), which addresses sustainability challenges and fosters research opportunities.
Prior to joining the University in 2017 she spent 15 years in the playground sector, helping to create engaging outdoor spaces for schools and local governments. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, keeping fit at the gym and learning contemporary dance routines.
Robert Campbell
Head of Culture and Heritage at Bath and North East Somerset Council
Robert is an empathetic leader delivering exceptional outcomes in fast-based, budget sensitive environments across museums, historic properties, landscapes and World Heritage Sites.
His current role oversees the operation of the world-famous Roman Baths and the development of a new Fashion Museum in the City.
Sam Daniels
Partner at Knight Frank
Sam is a Partner at Knight Frank with over 13 years of experience in the property industry within the City. Having sold over £550 million worth of property in Bath, I specialise in best-in-class residential sales, blending deep local expertise with a global perspective.
A proud ‘Bathonian’, I’m passionate about the city and its community, while also enjoying country walks that bring out the country boy in me. I’m dedicated to delivering exceptional results for my clients.
Outside of work, I’m an avid sports and fitness enthusiast, embracing challenges that drive me. Integrity and strong relationships underpin everything I do.
Victoria Cranwell
Partner and Head of Residential Property for Bath and Bradford on Avon at BLB Solicitors
Victoria trained and qualified in London, gaining a broad range of both commercial and residential property experience. She has considerable experience acting for high net worth clients on freehold and leasehold sales and purchases in London, the surrounding counties, and now in the South West, with and without financing.
Victoria’s commercial experience includes acting for private lenders, high street banks, borrowers, investors, developers, landlords and tenants, on a variety of non-contentious property matters.
Outside of work Victoria enjoys spending time with her family and friends and cycling, running and rowing, often followed by finding a nearby watering hole.