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
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.
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.
Julie Evans
Clerical Support
Julie comes to us with an impressive 25 years of dedicated administrative support experience from Staffordshire University.This new role marks an exciting chapter for her, and we know she's keen to bring her skills to our environment.When she's not at work, Julie enjoys time with her family: her husband, Shaun, and her two children, Yasmin and Alfie.Julie and Shaun are fond of weekend getaways to Wales.Julie truly enjoys making a positive difference in the lives of those around her, and we're excited for her to make a significant impact and contribute to Made in Stoke's continued success.
Deborah Sanderson
Director of Development and External Relations
A proud Stokie - born, raised and thriving in Stoke-on-Trent, Deborah Sanderson is a seasoned fundraising and marketing professional with extensive experience in philanthropy, business development, alumni relations, marketing and communications within the creative industries and Higher Education. With a proven track record of securing support and opportunities from trusts and foundations, major donors, business and individual contributions, she brings strategic expertise and creative insight to every initiative.
A strong leader and skilled communicator, Deborah excels at building and managing complex relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including high-net-worth individuals, charitable trusts, partners, alumni, and supporters. She is committed to leveraging these networks to deliver gifts of time, talent, and treasure to support Made in Stoke, driving positive change for the people and the City of 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.
