Lancashire Business Ambassadors

Guy Parker is Managing Director and Executive Chair of Conlon Construction, one of the North West’s most respected construction firms. With over 25 years of experience at Conlon, Guy has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic direction and operational excellence.

Guy joined Conlon Construction in 1998 and was appointed Managing Director in 2016, bringing extensive expertise in construction management and strategic leadership. In January 2026, he assumed the combined role of Managing Director and Executive Chair, succeeding Michael Conlon and consolidating leadership of the business as it enters its next chapter.

Guy has overseen the delivery of landmark projects across the North West, including the restoration of Preston Bus Station, The Harris Museum transformation, and Preston Markets Canopies. His commitment to quality, community impact, and sustainable construction practices has positioned Conlon as a trusted partner for both public and private sector clients.

Under Guy’s leadership, Conlon transitioned to employee ownership in 2024, reinforcing the company’s commitment to its people and the values established when the business was founded by the Conlon family in 1961. As an employee-owned business, Conlon remains dedicated to investing in apprenticeships, supporting local supply chains, and maintaining strong partnerships with charities and community organisations.

Guy’s priority is to uphold the values that have defined Conlon for more than 60 years while driving forward their commitment to delivering projects that genuinely improve the place they work in.”

Hannah Swindell is the Head of Transformation Integration at BAE Systems Air Sector. In this position, Hannah is responsible for integrating the portfolio of projects to ensure alignment with the company’s strategic goals. Her primary focus is on transforming the sector to ensure it is fit for the future, drive sustainable growth and innovation.

Hannah’s role requires orchestrating complex initiatives across multiple teams, ensuring alignment with overall organisational objectives. She uses her in-depth understanding of both Engineering and Strategic Development to facilitate streamlined processes and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Previously serving as Head of Sustainability and ESG Integration, Hannah played a crucial role in shaping the Air Sector’s sustainability strategy, embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into the company’s framework. Her academic background includes a Master of Engineering (Hons) in Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering, further enhanced by a Post Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business from the University of Cambridge.

Hannah draws on her extensive BAE Systems experience, especially her leadership in strategic development and her understanding of ESG goals, to drive transformation and innovation. She is enthusiastic about representing Lancashire—a region known for its industrial prowess—in maximising the sector’s contribution to the area.

Nigel Murray is Chief Executive Officer of Booths, the family-owned independent grocer with a 178‑year heritage serving communities across the North of England. Since joining Booths in 2015 as Commercial Director Nigel was appointed CEO in January 2026.

Before returning to his home county of Lancashire, Nigel built extensive senior leadership experience across the UK and Europe, holding roles at Safeway, Tetley, Asda Walmart and Greggs. His career has come “full circle”, with Booths having originally inspired him to pursue a career in food retailing.

Under Nigel’s leadership, Booths is focused on realising the potential within its brand reach through its 25 stores and manufacturing base. He sees significant opportunities in new markets and with new customers for what Booths makes and develops, whether through partnerships with other businesses or directly to consumers.

Beyond his business achievements, Nigel is deeply committed to giving back. In addition to being a Lancashire Ambassador, he is a Board Trustee of Active Lancashire and actively involved in pushing for systemic change to develop a better UK food system. His dedication to charitable causes is exemplified by his extraordinary fundraising efforts for Cure Leukaemia.

After being inspired by Geoff Thomas’ story, Nigel rode the Tour de France in 2021, raising over £100,000 for the charity alongside colleagues at Booths. Collectively, Booths has raised over £500,000 for Cure Leukaemia, helping to fund a research trial nurse in Blackpool and supporting vital advancements in blood cancer treatment. Nigel has also completed the London Marathon alongside his son, who at just 18 was one of the youngest runners, reflecting both his personal commitment to fundraising and the importance he places on family.

Nigel’s passion for Lancashire, his commitment to sustainable food systems, and his authentic leadership style make him a powerful advocate for the county’s food and drink sector.

Pauline Wild is Managing Partner of Forbes Solicitors, one of the North West’s leading law firms. She assumed the role of Managing Partner in 2022, bringing over 22 years of dedicated service to Forbes and a deep understanding of the firm’s culture, its people, and its clients.

Prior to becoming Managing Partner, Pauline was Head of Forbes’ Corporate team, where she oversaw the firm’s commercial strategy and built a reputation as an exceptionally skilled corporate lawyer. She has been consistently accredited in the Legal 500 as a leading individual in corporate work, recognised for her technical expertise, commercial acumen and client-focused approach.

As Managing Partner, Pauline sits on the Executive Committee and plays a leading role in setting the strategic direction of the firm, delivering that strategy, and driving the performance of Forbes’ teams. She has been instrumental in developing the firm’s Purpose, Vision, and Values, passionately championing what makes Forbes different from other law firms – both in how the business operates internally and how clients experience working with the firm.

Pauline believes deeply in redefining how people feel about lawyers, creating a culture at Forbes that prioritises integrity, collaboration and genuine client service. Her leadership style emphasises transparency, support, and creating opportunities for colleagues to thrive and grow.

As custodian of Forbes Solicitors in her role as Managing Partner, Pauline is exceptionally proud to lead the firm into its next phase of growth. Her impressive journey at Forbes, combined with her deep understanding of the business and her vision for the future, positions her perfectly to guide the firm while maintaining the values and culture that have defined its success.

Pauline’s commitment to Lancashire and its business community, alongside her dedication to championing gender diversity in professional services, makes her a natural advocate for the county as a Lancashire Ambassador.

Roger Bracewell is Chairman at GA Pet Food, a family-owned, private-label pet food manufacturer based in Chorley, Lancashire. GA Pet Food is one of the UK’s leading pet food producers, creating premium recipes using the finest raw materials carefully sourced from farms and fisheries the company knows and trusts.

GA Pet Food partners with businesses ranging from traditional pet shops to global brands, providing expertise that enables partners to bring their own pet food ranges to market. The company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and ethical sourcing has positioned it as a trusted name in the industry, contributing to the well-being of pets around the world.

GA Pet Food is proud to be part of Lancashire, with over 600 staff – many of whom live locally – forming the backbone of the business. The company’s roots in the county remain a defining part of its identity, reflecting its commitment to family values, supporting colleagues’ growth, and contributing positively to the local community.

As a Lancashire Ambassador, Roger is committed to celebrating and showcasing the people behind GA Pet Food’s success. The Lancashire Ambassador Programme provides a platform to highlight the company’s ongoing investments, which are fundamental to its continued success. GA Pet Food has an ambitious programme of projects totalling £400 million over the next fifteen years, demonstrating its long-term commitment to Lancashire and the wider UK pet food industry.

Roger’s leadership and dedication to the values that define GA Pet Food – family, quality, and community – make him an inspiring voice for Lancashire’s manufacturing heritage and its innovative, forward-thinking business community.