Dear Delegate

I look forward to attending Conference in August and meeting you in person. Before then, here's a little bit of information about me that I hope you'll find interesting.

I'm 48 years of age, born in Haverfordwest, Wales but as my father was in the Royal Navy, we moved around quite a bit. I went to school in Somerset and University at Loughborough. I've pretty much made the East Midlands my home and now live out in the Leicestershire countryside, in a village just north of Melton Mowbray.

For the last 17 years, I've specialised in working with membership, campaigning organisations. I started as Head of Campaigning for the Sunday Shopping Campaign, which brought about the legalisation of Sunday opening for larger stores. Not everyone is in favour of Sunday shopping, I know, but I do believe it has proved a popular move with many people across the country.

Then, as Director of Nottingham First, I was involved in the promotion of my then home city, Nottingham, as a centre for business, inward investment and regeneration. Nottingham's known internationally for past football achievements and Robin Hood, of course, but also has many other attractions and it was my job to promote the professionals there, like lawyers, entrepreneurs and designers.

More recently, I've championed the cause of motorcyclists as Chief Executive of the British Motorcyclists Federation and as Director of RiderConnect. I'm a keen motorcyclist myself - you'll probably see me arrive at a BDA event or two on my bike soon - and believe getting onto two wheels is a useful way to beat road congestion.

Now I'm at the BDA, I am looking forward to working with you all. It's very much a new area for me, so I've got a lot to learn and ask for your help and understanding as I settle into the job. It's early days yet, but I hope to concentrate on membership, campaigning and lobbying for BSL equality. Yes, I am a hearing Chief Executive working for a Deaf Charity and some may question that, but I believe that it's who I am and what I can bring to the Association that's important. I intend to get round the BDA offices as soon as I can, followed by meeting the ADAs. I'm based at our Coventry office, currently working just 3 days a week, so please bear with me as I juggle all the many and important calls on my time!

May I finish by thanking the BDA Trustees for the opportunity to work with you in appointing me as your Chief Executive and I wish you a successful, rewarding and enjoyable Conference.

With best wishes

Simon Wilkinson-Blake
8th July 2008