Committee

Swanage & District Chamber of Trade plays an important role within the community, we aspire to promote and improve the town centre and the surrounding areas. Our aim is to help all local businesses to grow and succeed.

Lindsay Bish

PHOTO 2026 05 14 20 41

Lindsay has been a proud member of the Swanage community for the past 28 years, having relocated with her young family to join the family-run Purbeck House Hotel. With a strong background in management and business development, Lindsay brings a wealth of experience, energy, and passion to every role she undertakes.

Before moving to Swanage, Lindsay enjoyed a successful 16-year career with Butterworths Legal Publishers, where she managed a department responsible for an impressive £7 million turnover. Thriving in the fast-paced world of publishing, she developed exceptional leadership and organisational skills before taking time out to focus on raising her family.

Driven by her passion for sport and personal development, Lindsay later retrained in Sports Injuries, dedicating five years to her studies before establishing and successfully running her own clinic in Kent for a further five years. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence have been a constant throughout her career.

In 2012, Lindsay took on the role of General Manager at the Grand Hotel in Swanage, further strengthening her reputation as a respected business leader within the local community. Alongside this, she has played a pivotal role in the Swanage Fish & Food Festival since its inception 11 years ago, helping it grow into one of the town’s most celebrated events.

As Chair of the Swanage Chamber of Trade, Lindsay is a passionate advocate for local businesses and the continued growth and development of the town she proudly calls home. A firm believer in progress, collaboration, and community spirit, she remains dedicated to supporting Swanage’s vibrant business community and helping shape a positive future for the area.


John Lejeune

682413971 996849762730916 6607044040916612407 n

John has served as a member of Swanage Town Council since May 2024. Alongside his role on the Council, he brings a strong background in business and community-focused work.

He is a Company Director at Studio Poole Retail Ltd, runs Swanage Models & Railroading Centre as a sole proprietor, and is also a partner in Jigsawcare, which provides holiday letting and respite care services.

John’s professional experience is complemented by a strong commitment to supporting the community, and he brings valuable insight and dedication to his role as Vice Chair.”


Lyn Egan

678977988 995139212901971 195880268548618339 n

Lyn moved to Swanage 21 years ago from South London with her husband, Kevin. Both have always been self-employed—Lyn as a make-up artist for theatre and fashion, as well as a hairdresser, and Kevin as a motor mechanic and restoration specialist.

Together, they went on to run a successful scuba diving training and retail business for ten years, alongside a thriving diving club with over 100 members. Although they originally planned to bring that venture to Swanage, their path led them instead to open Rivendell, a guest house and self-catering studios. 

Arriving in the area knowing just two people, Lyn and Kevin quickly became part of the local community, and over the years have built a wide network of friends—many of whom have since moved here too. Shortly after settling in Swanage, they also welcomed their son, making it a truly special place to call home. Now they are both members of the Swanage Chamber of Trade and Lyn has a seat on the Tourism meetings.

Lyn is deeply passionate about the town and feels incredibly privileged to live in such a beautiful and close-knit community.


Caroline Finch

683338390 1001141335635092 9003485138641476787 n

Caroline is a well-known and highly experienced member of the Swanage community. She has been the owner of Buds of Mave, working as a florist for over 10 years, and has also provided hospitality accommodation at Brook Lodge Holiday Apartments for more than 22 years.

Alongside this, Caroline has helped run a car repair and MOT garage with her husband Malcolm since 1986, and previously spent 28 years working in retail banking with HSBC.

Her commitment to the local community is extensive. She served for 12 years as Chairperson of the Chamber and now continues in a financial role as Treasurer. She was also a founding member of the Swanage Fish Festival in 2015.

Caroline has dedicated nine years to public service as a councillor on both Purbeck District Council and Swanage Town Council, and she is also a Director and Trustee of the Swanage Pier Trust.labore minim nisi.


Sylvia Libicka