Karen Arnold (born 1964) is a former company director who has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Bournemouth University for her Since 2015, she has worked in military transition, supporting those leaving the military. She was formerly the chief executive of The Enterprise and Skills Company Limited, based in Wimborne Minster, Dorset, which created the Yes Chef Competition on TV.Food for thought businessdorset.co.uk
Life Arnold grew up in Port Isaac, Cornwall, and studied economics and accountancy. Her Enterprise and Skills Company, founded together with John Knowles, is devoted to promoting entrepreneurship among teenagers.Tim Saunders, Startups shining bright , Dorset Business, Friday 31 July 2009. Accessed 26 November 2015. This includes organising competitions in which teenagers briefly set up and run their own businesses.Will Frampton, Students get down to business for Enterprise Challenge, Bournemouth Daily Echo, Monday, 13 October 2014. Accessed 26 November 2015.
She has been quoted as saying: "The new buzz word is employability and it is never too soon to encourage students to understand that as well as achieving their academic grades, they need to have a broad portfolio of employability skills which include working together, problem solving and other key skills".Plymouth students create smoothies and perfume in apprentice-style challenge , Plymouth Herald, 13 December 2013. Accessed 26 November 2015.
Arnold was Chair of the Dorset Blind Association .
Arnold has been a director of the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry from 17 September 2003 to 14 September 2006, and a governor of Weymouth College and of The Bishop of Winchester Academy.Citation for doctorate, Bournemouth University. Accessed 26 November 2015.
Arnold is also on the advisory board of the Eden project.
Awards In 2009, she received the Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion,"It's a doctorate for Karen" (12 November 2014). Cornish Guardian. Retrieved 22 November 2015. and in 2014 she was awarded an honorary doctorate by Bournemouth University for services to education and the charitable sector."University tourism and business graduates celebrate" (7 November 2014). Bournemouth Daily Echo. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
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