Phil Orford joined the FPB in February 2008 as Chief Executive.
Following a brief spell as a sales executive, Phil set up his first company in 1983 at the age of 21. In the years that followed, he was involved in a number of start-up companies, which eventually formed a small group employing more than 100 staff and which had a turnover in excess of £10 million.
In 2005, Phil left the group and set up a new business to assist small companies comply with environmental legislation through the use of web-enabled applications and tools.
On his appointment, Phil said: "The Forum of Private Business fulfils a vital role in supporting smaller firms in the UK, through our growing number of member benefits and our lobbying activities. Smaller businesses have borne the brunt of over-regulation and excessive taxation in recent years. The FPB's job is to be the coordinated voice of our members, to fight for fair treatment and, in doing so, support their growth. As Chief Executive, my job is to ensure that voice is heard by those who influence our entrepreneurial culture and to help protect that culture by campaigning for our members' interests."