Vote for your 2026 Staffordshire Ambassador of the Year
This year we are once again delighted to be partnering with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce for their 2026 Business Awards as we host our own category: ‘Staffordshire Ambassador of the Year’, with the winner to be chosen by you, our businesses and supporters!
Five passionate Staffordshire Ambassadors have been shortlisted from the 370+ strong Ambassador Network in recognition of their ongoing passion, commitment and dedication to promoting Staffordshire both inside the county and beyond our borders – helping We Are Staffordshire to raise the profile of the county and put us on the map!
Meet our shortlisted Ambassadors:
Jenny Amphlett – University of Staffordshire
Jenny is the High Value Relationships Manager at the University of Staffordshire and a dedicated advocate for both Stoke-on-Trent and the wider county.
A strong supporter of We Are Staffordshire, Jenny consistently goes above and beyond to create opportunities for connection and collaboration. She regularly invites us to key University events, enabling valuable networking opportunities and helping to raise awareness of our work, including the University of Staffordshire Business Awards, which provide a fantastic platform to engage with regional partners.
Jenny has also played a pivotal role in connecting us with the University’s alumni network, facilitating introductions to a number of high-profile individuals who have contributed to our latest video project. Her proactive and solution-focused approach means that whatever we ask of her, she is always willing to help and find a way to make things happen.
A proud Ambassador for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, Jenny is passionate about promoting the area as a fantastic place to study, work and build a career. Her enthusiasm, connectivity and commitment to partnership working make her a real asset, and exactly the kind of proactive advocate we need across the county.
Lianne Joynson – National Memorial Arboretum
Lianne is the Marketing Manager at the National Memorial Arboretum and a passionate ambassador for Staffordshire.
A strong supporter of We Are Staffordshire, Lianne consistently responds positively to our requests, while also taking a proactive approach to collaboration. She recognises the importance of the Arboretum’s location within Staffordshire and is always keen to highlight this at a local level, supporting and strengthening our shared initiatives.
Lianne has contributed a range of content to our work that help tell the county’s story. She regularly invites us to key events at the Arboretum, creating valuable opportunities for engagement, and has also hosted Ambassador events, helping to showcase this nationally significant site to our network.
Her enthusiasm, proactive mindset and commitment to partnership working make her a valued supporter of We Are Staffordshire. Through her work, Lianne plays an important role in promoting both the Arboretum and Staffordshire as a place of national significance, pride and connection.
Charl Pearce – Newcastle-under-Lyme BID
Charl is the BID Manager for Newcastle-under-Lyme BID and a passionate advocate for both the town and the wider Staffordshire area.
A fierce champion of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Charl works tirelessly to promote the town and its businesses, curating a wide range of events and activities that showcase the very best the area has to offer. Through her role, she regularly engages with and supports local businesses, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions celebrated.
Charl is a proud and vocal supporter of her area, unafraid to speak up and highlight Newcastle-under-Lyme’s strengths and potential. Her pride in place is clear in everything she does, and she brings great energy and commitment to her work.
She has actively supported We Are Staffordshire in a number of ways, including helping to facilitate an Ambassador Event in Newcastle-under-Lyme, inviting us to the BID Awards, writing ambassador-focused blogs and continually seeking opportunities for collaboration.
Charl’s enthusiasm, advocacy and proactive approach make her a valued partner, and her work contributes strongly to promoting Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire more widely as vibrant places to live, work and visit.
Kerrie Pope – Trentham Estate
Kerrie is the Head of Events and Marketing at the Trentham Estate.
A passionate advocate not only for Trentham but for the wider county, Kerrie consistently champions Staffordshire as a destination.
She is a strong supporter of We Are Staffordshire and a firm believer in collaborative working, regularly bringing forward new ideas and opportunities to support our shared ambitions. She also consistently involves us with Trentham’s events, ensuring we remain connected and able to support and amplify key activity.
Kerrie has engaged proactively across a range of activity, from hosting a successful experience event at Trentham, to representing the county alongside us at the House of Commons and participating in our Attraction Action Staffordshire Day school project. She has also supported the delivery of the Staffy Trail, helping to bring the initiative to life and extend its reach.
Her enthusiasm, creativity and willingness to collaborate make a real difference, and her approach embodies the spirit of partnership that underpins our work. Kerrie’s contribution plays an important role in showcasing Staffordshire as a vibrant, welcoming place to visit.
Olivia Thackstone – Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Olivia is the Visitor Economy and Events Manager for Stoke-on-Trent City Council and part of the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Local Visitor Economy Partnership.
A committed supporter of We Are Staffordshire, Olivia has engaged with our work in a wide variety of meaningful ways. From speaking at Ambassador events in her previous role at World of Wedgwood, to contributing to panel discussions, collaborating on campaigns, and responding positively to requests, her proactive and solutions-focused approach is consistently evident.
Olivia has also been a key ally of We Are Staffordshire’s film office, Screen Staffordshire, during its formative first year. With Stoke-on-Trent offering significant potential for the UK film and television industry, Olivia’s supportive, responsive and flexible approach has helped facilitate the successful filming of globally recognised high-end TV drama within the city.
Her ‘yes, and’ mindset, always seeking opportunities rather than barriers, is exactly the approach needed not only for the success of the film office, but for the continued growth and visibility of both the city and the wider county. She truly embodies what it means to be a Staffordshire Ambassador.
Voting closes on Monday 8th June, 5pm. Vote here.
The winner will be announced at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Business Awards 2026 on Thursday 9th July.
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