Staffordshire Ambassador of the Year 2026 crowned
A Staffordshire Ambassador has been recognised for her role in promoting the county at an awards ceremony.
We Are Staffordshire’s Ambassador of the Year was announced at the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Business Awards, which took place on 9th July and celebrates the best of the county’s businesses.
The Ambassador of the Year award recognises businesses or individuals who have gone above and beyond to tell the Staffordshire story – taking part in events and working hard to promote the county wherever possible, with the winner being chosen by We Are Staffordshire businesses and supporters.
This year’s award was presented to Kerrie Pope of the Trentham Estate, was one of five finalists shortlisted.
Kerrie is the Head of Events and Marketing at the Trentham Estate and has worked closely with the We Are Staffordshire and Visit Staffordshire teams to promote the county as a visitor destination.
There are now over 370 Staffordshire Ambassadors who have pledged their support to We Are Staffordshire and their work to bang the drum for the county.
This will be the fifth year for the Ambassador Award. Kerrie follows in the footsteps of previous winners, Joanne-Conroy Wilson of Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, Karen Jennings of Lichfield Cathedral, Philip Carter of Leek-based Ornua Foods and Gill and Will Sherwin of Newcastle-under-Lyme-based Best of British Beer
Hundreds of business owners and leaders attended this year’s Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce awards at Uttoxeter Racecourse. Kerrie was presented with her award by Head of Place Marketing for We Are Staffordshire, Louisa Shaw and Young Ambassador Network Chair and Keele University student, Sharon Owusu.
Kerrie said, “I’m incredibly honoured to have received this award. Championing Trentham and showcasing everything Staffordshire has to offer is something I’m genuinely passionate about. It’s a privilege to contribute wherever I can, whether that’s hosting events at Trentham or representing the county further afield, as I recently did at the House of Commons.
I feel very fortunate to live and work in Staffordshire. We’re blessed with stunning landscapes, thriving businesses and fantastic communities, all of which make this a great place to be. I’d encourage anyone who shares that pride to become an Ambassador. The more people we have championing Staffordshire, the stronger our collective voice becomes when we tell others what a fantastic place it is.”
We Are Staffordshire Place Board Chair Hannah Ault said: “It’s fantastic to see the Staffordshire Ambassador category once again at the Chambers of Commerce Business Awards. We want to raise awareness of our ambassadors and all the work they do in promoting Staffordshire as a great place. Thank you to the Chamber for once again partnering with us to promote this award.
“Staffordshire Ambassadors provide amazing support, engagement and donations for our events and activities. Kerrie thoroughly deserves this recognition for the work she does to support our place making efforts.
“I’d like to commend all this year’s finalists, who go above and beyond to promote Staffordshire and all it has to offer.”
Congratulations to the other shortlisted finalists:
Jenny Amphlett, University of Staffordshire
Lianne Joynson, National Memorial Arboretum
Charl Pearce, Newcastle-under-Lyme BID
Olivia Thackstone, Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Find out more about their work to support We Are Staffordshire.
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