The Rochester Cathedral Business Guild
Where Kent & Medway’s business leaders connect, collaborate, and make a difference
Join a thriving network of organisations united by a passion for professional excellence, and community impact!
Why Join the Business Guild?
Becoming a member is totally free and offers unique advantages:
Prestigious Association: Align your brand with Rochester Cathedral’s renowned heritage, reputation, and influence across Kent and Medway.
Exceptional Networking: Enjoy regular high‑quality events, including our popular Networking Breakfasts featuring inspiring speakers and valuable business insights.
Unforgettable Hospitality: Host clients, colleagues, and partners in one of the region’s most atmospheric and historic venues.
Engaging Thought Leadership: Hear from thought‑provoking speakers covering sustainability, innovation, business strategy, and more. Recent sessions have featured leaders from the Environmental Business Network, Beyond Zero, and other pioneering organisations.
Meet the Business Guild Steering Group
Michael Wooldridge
Chair of the Business Guild
Michael has been a land agent for 30 years in Kent managing rural estates for both private and institutional clients including the Diocese’s glebe and clergy houses portfolio. Michael is head of Savills in Sevenoaks and is a Kent CLA Committee Member, Parish Councillor and President of Sevenoaks Rugby Club.
Louise Brenlund
Vice Chair of the Business Guild
Louise is a solicitor and Head of Employment with 25+ years’ experience advising employers across sectors, especially education. She has served as a governor and trustee, passionately supporting stronger links between schools and businesses to prepare young people for work.
The Very Rev’d Dr Philip Hesketh AKC DL
Appointed to Rochester Cathedral as Canon Pastor in 2005, Philip had a special responsibility for heritage and interpretation. He was appointed Dean in June 2016. He is a Kent Ambassador and was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Kent in 2019.
Ann West MBE JP DL
Ann is a retired Deputy Headteacher who has chaired the North Kent Magistrates Bench and the IMB at Cookham Wood. A Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, she is active in netball, trusteeships, heritage organisations, and serves as a Kent and Dockyard Ambassador.
Bruce Bell
Bruce is a Strategic Marketing and Business Development Consultant and NED supporting SME growth. He also runs a property investment business. An experienced leader across multiple sectors, he adds value with diligence and entrepreneurial skill, and is a Chartered Marketer.
Dean Yorath
Dean is a Partner at Azets and has over 20 years’ of experience, working closely with business owners in the SME market. The importance of building strong client relationships and identifying how his clients can be supported on their financial journey is a key priority for him.
Martin Lukehurst
Martin Lukehurst, a founding Cathedral Guild member, is joint managing director of his long‑established family furnishings firm, Lukehurst. A Rotary supporter and keen golfer, he previously enjoyed cricket and hockey and recently retired as president of the Old Roffensian Society.
Rob Smith
Rob is a former BBC regional news presenter who led an award‑winning programme for 11 years. He now runs Wild Rover Media, hosts an environmental podcast, and enjoys wildlife walks, skiing, sailing and pub lunches in the Kent countryside.
Sarah MacDonald
Sarah is a PR and Marketing specialist with decades of experience, from representing major music artists to running her own PR Consultancy in Kent. She founded the Kent Charity Awards and manages business events, balancing her work with a love of cycling, kayaking and hiking.
Susan Plummer
Susan is a senior academic and mental health specialist with a background in psychiatry, nursing and research. A former university director, she contributes widely to professional panels, governance roles and international healthcare education, shaping practice and policy across the sector.
Terry Shephard
Terry is a Relationship Partner at Evelyn Partners with nearly 20 years’ experience supporting privately owned businesses through growth, restructuring and succession. He advises owners on wealth and business strategy and is an active Christian involved in leadership at St Dunstan’s Church.
Business Guild Events in 2026
Networking Breakfast - 14th January 2026 - The speakers: Roger McKerlie from the Environmental Business Network & Doug Wanstall from Beyond Zero. Sponsored by Savills.
Networking Breakfast - 18th March 2026 - The speakers: Zoe Garnham-Archer & Tammy Harding from ScreenCancer and Carrie Stay & Neil Dickson from Clockwork Moggy. Sponsored by Lukehurst.
Networking Breakfast - 13th May 2026 - The speaker: Anthony Greer from Talo and Mike Olone from Syntech Biofuel - Buy tickets here: https://bit.ly/4ahbAA8. Sponsored by TBC.
Networking Breakfast - 15th September 2026 - The speakers: Nick Inge from iTrust, and Tracy Allen & Andrew Keeping from FASD Awareness - Buy tickets here: https://bit.ly/4tjhmtr. Sponsored by TBC.
Networking Breakfast - 28th October 2026 - The speakers: Susan Bardo from the Kent and Medway Business Fund, and the second speaker is yet to be confirmed - Buy tickets here: https://bit.ly/49YR4Fp. Sponsored by TBC.
We do charge £10 per ticket to our Networking Breakfasts, and all of our Events are advertised on the Business Guild’s Eventbrite page.
If you’re interested in being a speaker or sponsor of a Business Guild Breakfast, please do get in touch with the Trust Administrator, Becca Mitchell-Lowe // trust@rochestercathedral.org // 01634 810074
Rochester Cathedral Business Guild membership information
If you would like to join the Business Guild Database, please complete this Membership Form
For further information please contact our Trust Administrator, Becca Mitchell-Lowe at becca.mitchell-lowe@rochestercathedral.org
Supporting Rochester Cathedral
The Business Guild forms a vital part of the Rochester Cathedral Trust’s mission with any money raised usually directed to the Cathedral’s Music and Education work with young people in the community — helping maintain historic architecture, support cathedral music, enhance visitor experiences, and ensure this remarkable place thrives for future generations.
