Vote for your 2025 Staffordshire Ambassador of the Year
This year we are once again delighted to be partnering with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce for their 2025 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!
Four passionate Staffordshire Ambassadors have been shortlisted from the 310+ 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:
Mike Astbury – Mondrem 
Mike is the Founder of Mondrem (a Community Interest Company improving public services) and Co-founder of Openplan Software, based at Keele’s Science and Innovation Park.
A strong supporter of We Are Staffordshire, Mike has engaged in numerous ways—from speaking at our recent business start-up panel event to attending various ambassador events. Through Mondrem CIC, he has played an active role in the Young Person Delivery Group and contributed to key initiatives, including investment work and the Staffordshire UKREiiF launch event. A key objective of his companies’ work to speed up the planning applications system is to help make Staffordshire a more attractive place for investment and growth.
Mike is deeply passionate about nurturing graduate talent. He has developed an award-winning approach to employing, developing, and supporting students and graduates from Keele University and the University of Staffordshire, helping them thrive in their early careers. His work directly supports We Are Staffordshire’s mission to showcase the county as a vibrant place to study and work.
Mike said: “When I heard about the nomination, I was thrilled. I’m very grateful and delighted to be shortlisted.”
Tilley Bancroft – Making Trails 
Tilley is the founder of Making Trails, an organisation that creates bespoke art trails for councils, towns, cities, and events—bringing communities together through creativity.
Her work has been enjoyed by thousands and has raised significant funds for charity, all while championing the transformative power of art to inspire connection and drive positive change.
Based in Burton upon Trent, Tilley is a proud ambassador for her area, forging meaningful connections both locally and beyond. She has spoken at a Staffordshire Ambassador event, regularly attends key gatherings to support We Are Staffordshire’s initiatives, and connects the team through events hosted at Making Trails HQ.
A passionate ‘place maker,’ Tilley’s work fosters civic pride, encouraging people to celebrate their communities while creating spaces where they can come together.
She’s always looking for opportunities to collaborate, working to promote East Staffordshire and the wider county. As a Place Board Member for the Burton brand, she plays a vital role in shaping Burton’s placemaking efforts.
“I was really shocked when I got the email about being nominated for Staffordshire Ambassador of the year. It was such a lovely thing to come through to celebrate the work that not only myself but my team do here in the county.”
Joanne Conroy-Wilson – Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group 
Joanne is the Communications and Marketing Director at Newcastle & Stafford Colleges group and she’s a true ambassador for Staffordshire.
A proactive champion of We Are Staffordshire’s initiatives, Joanne has played a key role in promoting the county as a destination for education and employment. Her efforts in fostering connections between employers and students demonstrate her commitment to shaping a thriving learning and working environment.
Facilitating the organisation of two Ambassador events at Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group, Joanne went the extra mile ensuring that hospitality for guests was of the highest standard and supported with photography and videography to further promote the event to a wider audience.
Joanne is always willing to support, whether it’s loaning equipment for Staffordshire Day school displays, integrating We Are Staffordshire into college events and news, or organising student focus groups. She consistently sees the bigger picture of collaboration.
Under Joanne’s leadership, her team has actively contributed to key initiatives, including the production of the Staffordshire Skills Prospectus and video —further strengthening a strong partnership.
Joanne said: “To be nominated for this award is truly humbling. As a proud ‘Stokie’ and champion of our home county, it’s an honour to support the work of We Are Staffordshire and to be recognised amongst likeminded individuals who are passionate about making Staffordshire an even better place to live, work, and learn.”
Wayne Dutton – South Staffordshire Council 
Wayne is Enterprise Team Manager at South Staffordshire Council and is a proud advocate for his area and bringing people together.
In his role, he not only champions local businesses but also proudly represents Staffordshire as a whole, always looking for ways to bring people together through networking and collaboration. His dedication to fostering connections benefits both the county’s economy and its sense of community.
No request is ever too much for Wayne. He’s been a tremendous supporter of We Are Staffordshire, helping coordinate South Staffordshire’s presence at the UKREiiF national investment conference, securing donations from local sponsors, providing imagery and content for publications, and attending key events—including the annual Visit Staffordshire tourism awards—to represent his district with pride.
Wayne embodies the spirit of collaboration, valuing the power of partnerships and collective working. He doesn’t just talk about it—he lives it through everything he does.
Wayne said: “I’m honoured and proud to be nominated for this award. It’s a reflection on the fantastic team and organisation that I work for.”
VOTE FOR YOUR WINNER HERE
The winner will be announced at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Business Awards 2024 on Thursday 10th July.
You can only vote once for one Ambassador.
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