About us
What's our mission?
Our mission is to create a community of 10,000 people who contribute to the regeneration of Stoke-on-Trent. We are not limited to one sector or one cause. We are led by you and want to harness the fierce pride and loyalty that people born, raised or connected to the city feel and use that to do good.
Our goal is to bring people together, share stories, share opportunities and make introductions so that if you are an alumni of Stoke-on-Trent you feel that you have an avenue to reconnect and help in some way. We connect you with organisations and individuals in the city that match your areas of interest.
We share investment and philanthropic opportunities and we support anyone who wants to make a creative, time or monetary contribution to Stoke-on-Trent.We are here to help you, help Stoke in a way that works for you.
Welcome to Made in Stoke, welcome home.
Values
Who is it for?
The Made in Stoke community is for anyone with a connection to Stoke-on-Trent or North Staffordshire. You were born, educated, raised, lived or worked in Stoke-on-Trent or North Staffordshire.
You feel that Stoke is a part of your story, a part of who you are. You care about Stoke-on-Trent, its people and its future and you want to play your part in it’s change and regeneration.
Our values of trust, quality, collaboration, innovation and transparency flow through everything we do.
History
How did this start?
The concept of a community for people with a connection to Stoke-on-Trent was originally inspired by MP Tristram Hunt.
Since then advocates, philanthropists and key local partners have supported Made in Stoke to promote our mission and find more brilliant people that are truly Made in Stoke.
Strategy
What are our priorities?
We’re embarking on an exciting new journey with a renewed vision for Made in Stoke. Our goal is to foster a vibrant, thriving Stoke-on-Trent where everyone feels connected to the city and is inspired to contribute. We aim to build a strong, engaged network dedicated to the well-being and development of our community
To read more about our vision, mission, strategic priorities and the activities that will help us to achieve our goals take a look at our strategy document. Click on our Strategy Document to take a closer look.
Meet the team
See our community contributors
Dwain McDonald
Executive Lead
Dwain McDonald is a seasoned professional with a deep connection to Stoke-on-Trent. Having raised a family here, Dwain is now a proud grandad. With a rich background in logistics and parcels, notably with DPD, he brings extensive global advisory experience to Made in Stoke. Passionate about fostering community growth and connectivity, Dwain is dedicated to driving positive change in Stoke. He is excited to contribute his expertise and work alongside local partners to achieve the initiative's vision for a thriving Stoke-on-Trent.
Kaye Morrissey
Relationships Lead
Kaye connects new Made in Stoke members with opportunities close to their heart. Managing outreach, communications and events.
Kaye has a wealth of professional experience as a freelance events manager, facilitating events in the Stoke area across a wide range of industries.
Jenny Amphlett
Network Co-ordinator
After nearly 25 years as a journalist, magazine editor and more recently an events organiser, Jenny is now the Made in Stoke-on-Trent Network Co-ordinator.
This newly created role is based at Staffordshire University but serves the whole of the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The aim is to establish and nurture a philanthropy network for the city.
Nicky Twemlow
Group Chair
Working as Partnerships and Community Director at YMCA North Staffs Nicky has demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organisation management industry.
Skilled in Senior Leadership, Nonprofit Organisations, Youth Development, Cultural Education, Social Impact, Coaching, Event Management, and Fundraising.
Helen Ryles
Technology Lead
Helen is the technology and content lead for Made in Stoke. Creating our digital presence, connecting us with our members online.
Helen has 15+ years professional experience in the IT Industry and is an IT Project Manager and IT Consultant.
James Routledge
Community Facilitator
James is an entrepreneur, author and public speaker from Stoke. He has recently been drawn back to the area as the Entrepreneur in Residence at Staffordshire University, thanks to the Made in Stoke community. James is now working to create a community organisation to provide opportunities for Stoke alumni to come back and contribute to the area.
