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.[6] This includes organising competitions in which teenagers briefly set up and run their own businesses.[7]
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".[8]
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.[9]
Arnold is also on the advisory board of the Eden project.
