Jim has called Dorset home for 23 years, raising his family in Shaftesbury and becoming deeply rooted in the local community. What started as simply living here has grown into a genuine passion for the area, its people, and its traditions.
As Chairman of the Shaftesbury Chamber, Jim has been instrumental in reviving the famous Gold Hill Cheese Race, which returned last year to the delight of locals and visitors alike. He is also part of the team organising the new Shaftesbury Food Festival, taking place in May and celebrating the best of local producers and the vibrant food culture of North Dorset.
Professionally, Jim runs Okapi & Co, a digital marketing agency based in Dorset helping businesses navigate the changing world of online search. With a focus on AISEO, the agency ensures businesses get found not just on Google but across the new wave of AI-powered search tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity. For Jim, supporting local enterprise and protecting what makes Dorset special go hand in hand.