
Igniting Futures
A Speaking in Schools Program in Stoke-on-Trent
This innovative program brings inspiring individuals from diverse career paths to schools across Stoke-on-Trent, fostering student inspiration and broadening their horizons. Through engaging presentations, real-life stories, and interactive Q&A sessions, participants gain valuable insights into the world of work.
Key Features:
- Diverse Speakers: The program features a wide range of professionals, including entrepreneurs, musicians, and business leaders, This exposure allows students to explore diverse career paths and discover hidden passions.
- Authentic Narratives: Speakers share personal anecdotes, challenges faced, and the lessons learned along their journeys. These authentic narratives provide valuable life lessons and demonstrate the importance of resilience, perseverance, and embracing challenges.
- Interactive Engagement: Q&A sessions and interactive activities encourage active student participation, allowing them to ask questions, share their aspirations, and connect with the speakers on a personal level.
- Aspirational Focus: The program emphasises the importance of setting goals, pursuing passions, and believing in one's potential. It empowers students to take ownership of their futures and strive for excellence.
Impact:
By providing students with real-world perspectives and inspiring role models, the "Speaking in Schools" program in Stoke-on-Trent aims to ignite a passion for learning, broaden career aspirations, and equip students with the knowledge and confidence to navigate their future with purpose and determination.
Access the speaker directory
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Require access?
The speaker directory is available exclusively for schools in Stoke-on-Trent. If you would like access please send your name, your role, school name and school address to nicky@madeinstoke.com
Speaker directory
Simply choose a speaker, fill in your event details, and reach out to them directly.
* Note, Made in Stoke does not arrange bookings, we only put you in contact with the speaker.
* Note, Made in Stoke does not arrange bookings, we only put you in contact with the speaker.

Abigail Beddows
Available
Virtual
Topics
Performing Arts, Visual Arts
I left Soke in 2012, when I was 18, to study Event Management at the University of Greenwich. From here I went on to work for the official VIP for Adele's UK and European 25 tour, the James Bond No Time to Die Premiere and more recently Taylor Swifts The Eras Tour.
abigailbeddows@hotmail.co.uk
Bio / Enquire
Adrian Jones
Available
In-person
Topics
Leisure & Tourism, Marketing, Hospitality Management
Worked for Merlin Entertainments for over 30 years and started at Alton Towers and ended up managing over 30 sites in North America and led the team that opened LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Also the only Brit who has acted as Chairman of Visit Orlando, the largest Destination Marketing Organisation in North Anerica. Also had a short stint as CEO of Zipworld in North Wales.
adrianjones8@outlook.com
Bio / Enquire
Alex Gwilt
Available
Virtual & In-person
Topics
Criminal Justice
I moved from Stoke-on-Trent to California 10 years ago (werrington/leek area mostly), I’m 34 and am currently a Police SWAT Officer for San Diego Police Department, a big city department that oversees about 1.4 million people. I have actually been back and giving a few different talks in schools already, mostly about aspirational paths and motivating to be the best you can be. I’m happy to also give any talks on job specific stuff.
alexgwilt89@gmail.com
Governor
Bio / Enquire
Amanda Donald
Available
In-person
Topics
Ambition & Achievement, Local Opportunities, Personal Growth & New Experiences
I have been retired for nine years after a 35-year career in the NHS and Social Care. After leaving university, I was fortunate to be accepted onto the NHS management scheme. I went on to spend over ten years as a Director at Board level, gaining extensive senior leadership and operational experience across the NHS and, more recently, managing social care staff as well. I have overseen budgets of over £70 million and managed more than 1,000 staff. Alongside operational delivery, I have extensive experience in corporate governance and strategic development. I have significant experience in speaking to and engaging with staff, volunteers, and the public. My various roles have required close partnership work with the voluntary and independent sectors, as well as other public organisations. Born in Burslem, I was fortunate to reach Director/Board level while working locally across Staffordshire and Cheshire. Since retiring, I have continued to contribute to the local community as a Non-Executive member for local organisations and as a volunteer factory tour guide in the ceramics industry. Retirement has also given me the opportunity to explore new experiences and develop skills I hadn’t before—canoeing, paddleboarding, choirs, bowling, and painting, to name a few. Life is there for us all to experience in new and different ways.
amanda.donald59@gmail.com
Bio / Enquire
Benn Thomas
Available
Virtual & In-person
Topics
Global Opportunities, Expanding Horizons, Ambition & Growth
Contact reconversion by submitting on HubSpot Form "Speaking in schools form" Page submitted on: Speaking in Schools Email: benncameronthomas@hotmail.com First Name: Benn Last Name: Thomas LinkedIn Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benncameronthomas Provide us with a brief outline of your journey up to now:: Raised on a council estate in Knutton.
Passed a few GCSEs, but failed two of three A-levels before (somehow) talking my way into being accepted by the University of Leeds as a mature student. Went on to study under and post-grad international politics before becoming a diplomat at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office - subsequently worked in Afghanistan, the UN, in Washington DC during Trump's Presidency and most recently in China. Currently based in London.
benncameronthomas@hotmail.com
Bio / Enquire
Birgit Allport
Available
Virtual & In-person
Topics
General Inspiration
Born in Germany, moved to stoke in 2010 and im determined to bring more community spirit and cohesion to Stoke. I founded a small charity to support the less fortunate and lonely members of our community. A smile and a little bit of kindness can go a long way. I am a versatile leader with a background in history and business admin, experienced as a former school lead NUS delegate and elected trustee. I am currently serving as CEO of a charity. With expertise in history studies and international affairs I am sure I can contribute to Made in Stoke. Stoke is mu home and it made me a Stokie.
allport.birgit@gmail.com
Governor
Bio / Enquire
Cllr. Abi Brown
Available
Virtual & In-person
Topics
Public Sector Leadership
I was first elected to Stoke-on-Trent City Council in 2010 and have been Leader of the
Council since May 2019, as well as holding the Corporate Resources, Strategy &
Partnerships portfolio.
Alongside my current role, I am also the Chairman of Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s
housing company, Fortior. I am Chairman of the Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone project
board, one of the most successful EZs in the country, a project I have led since
inception. I also led Stoke-on-Trent’s shortlisted bid to be UK City of Culture in 2021.
A familiar speaker at regional and national events, my interests include all aspects of
regeneration. I balance being a councillor with looking after her two school-age children
and naughty pet dog.
abi.brown@stoke.gov.uk
Bio / Enquire
Craig Hughes
Available
In-person
Topics
General Inspiration
Left school with no qualifications, joined the RAF became an electronics engineer had a wonderful time left the military but continued education and completed a HNC in Business Studies, completed a MBO and purchased a Telecommunications Company, sold it years later to Daisy Communications and now I help businesses to improve operations and growth.
craig.w.hughes70@gmail.com
Bio / Enquire
Dave Bebb
Available
In-person
Topics
Law, Construction
I grew up in Loggerheads and went to school in Madeley and then Fenton Sixth Form College. University and work took me away from the area at the age of 18 (as it did many of my friends) but I still return regularly to see family. My wife is also from Stoke but I met her at a house warming party in London - I recognised her accent and the rest, they say, is history
dbebb@fenwickelliott.com
Governor
Bio / Enquire
Dwain McDonald
Available
Virtual & In-person
Topics
Logistics, Business, Strategy, Entrepreneurship
I am a seasoned professional with a deep connection to Stoke-on-Trent, having raised my family here and now being a proud grandad. I was also a proud Holden Lane High School attendee until 1982. With a rich background in logistics and parcels, particularly with DPD, I bring extensive global advisory experience to Made in Stoke. I am passionate about fostering community growth and connectivity and am dedicated to driving positive change in Stoke. I am excited to contribute my expertise and work alongside local partners to achieve the initiative's vision for a thriving Stoke-on-Trent.
dwain@madeinstoke.com
Bio / Enquire
Gavin Williams
Available
Virtually & In-person
Topics
General Inspiration
I am a lawyer specialising in mergers and acquisitions. I have extensive experience of
cross-border corporate transactions, including public company takeovers, private
mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, public securities offerings, capital
reconstructions and demergers.
I act for financial investors, corporates and investment banks and speaks English,
French and Spanish. I play a role in leading the firm's coverage of Brexit for clients. I am
regularly commenting on international trade and investment, cross-border M&A, Brexit
and related issues in the media.
gavin.williams@hsf.com
Bio / Enquire
Glenn Handforth
Available
Virtual & In-person
Topics
Public Sector Leadership
I run a small management consultancy – The Ideas Facility, supporting organisations
through their strategy; leadership; management; people development and brand
communications challenges.
I am a creative brand communication specialist, with Director level experience in
leading strategy development and implementation projects with some of the UK’s
foremost organisations.
I am a qualified coach, and for nearly ten years, I have been the Chair of Trustees at
YMCA North Staffordshire. I am also a Member Trustee of a Learning Trust and
previously, acted as a High School Governor for over ten years.
glenn@theideasfacility.com
Bio / Enquire
Joe Sparrow
Available
Virtual & In-person
Topics
Music Industry
Born and raised in May Bank, near Newcastle, now living in Berlin. I'm an artist, journalist, lecturer and broadcaster; and work mostly in the music industry. I'm editor of the music industry news, research, and analysis platform Music Ally (https://musically.com), a platform used by major labels, publishers, music streaming platforms, and also by thousands of DIY/Indie artists and labels. I also work with emerging artists to develop their careers and lecture at BIMM University in Berlin. I’ve also worked in UK radio, music PR, and radio plugging, and organised/operated music industry events at SXSW, The Great Escape, Most Wanted: Music, and Tech Open Air. For more info please see my website, https://terelinck.com Schools attended:
May Bank Infants School
St. Margaret’s Junior School, Wolstanton
Newcastle under Lyme School
Newcastle College (Art department)
joe@terelinck.com
Trustee
Bio / Enquire
Justine Simons OBE
Available
Virtual & In-person
Topics
Public Sector Leadership, Cultural Management
I was born in Stoke on Trent and went to Ash Green Primary School in Trentham, where
I joined a dance group that changed her life. It sparked my interest in creativity. I
worked in lots of different arts organisations and grew interested in the broader story
about art, politics and cities. I took a job at London’s City Hall and has worked with
Mayors from both sides of the political spectrum overseeing London’s cultural strategy,
encompassing fashion, art, design, film, music, theatre and dance.
I founded the World Cities Culture Forum, a major global leadership initiative on culture
involving 40 world cities. I also set up the Fourth Plinth Commission, the UK’s most
talked-about sculpture prize and put the first statue of a woman in Parliament Square
(Millicent Fawcett). I was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty The Queen for my work
championing culture in London.
On file
Bio / Enquire
Lyane Bartlett
Available
Virtual & In-person
Topics
Business & Entrepreneurship
I started in a Data role straight out of university, developing my career across a couple of different organisations before becoming Head of IT and Data for Novus Property Solutions. This developed my data knowledge into heading up infrastructure, applications and cyber too. As a women in IT/Data as well as construction I am really keen to get more girls into the digital career paths and would welcome any opportunities to speak in schools about these career paths. I am also a governor for Stoke on Trent 6th form college.
lyaneb353@gmail.com
Governor
Bio / Enquire
Mark Gregory
Available
Virtual & In-person
Topics
Business Leadership
I am the Chief Economist for EY in the UK, responsible for advising public and private
sector clients on the implications of the economic outlook. Before joining Ernst & Young,
I was Global Head of Business Development and Strategy for Wireless at IBM. I have
worked in over 40 countries ranging from Argentina to Papua New Guinea.
My interests include macroeconomic forecasting, business strategy and planning,
regulation and competition policy, industrial strategy and the economics of sport and
especially football.
I regularly present at schools and universities on economics and the opportunities for
careers as a professional economist and in the accounting profession.
On file
Bio / Enquire
Martyn Irvine
Available
In-person
Topics
Military Service, Business & Entrepreneurship, Career Development
Joined the British Army aged 16 and left at 28 to pursue a career as a professional football coach. Served 3 tours of duty to an Iraq and Afghanistan. Now a full time football coach, own my own coaching business and work for Stoke City and The FA
martynirvine@yahoo.co.uk
Bio / Enquire
Michaela Burn
Available
Virtual & In-person
Topics
Automotive Industry, Business Leadership
I am the Vice President of Michelin Experiences for the Europe North region. I am
currently responsible for establishing, leading and growing the business line around the
themes of travel, gastronomy and the experience economy and also a member of the
Management Board for the region.
michaela.burn@michelin.com
Bio / Enquire
Nathan Waldron
Available
Virtual & In-person
Topics
General Inspiration, Business
From starting with nothing to building up business for the new generation
nathan.waldron@mandg.com
Bio / Enquire
Nathan Gray
Available
Virtual
Topics
Aviation & Test Piloting, Author
Made in Stoke. Fighter pilot and test pilot. Author of Hazard Spectrum - life in the danger zone.
hazardspectrum@gmail.com
Bio / Enquire
Phil Drew
Available
Virtual & In-person
Topics
Higher Education, Public Sector Leadership, Business Leadership
I am a Partner at Brunswick, a critical issues advisory firm, where I advise the leaders of
some of the world's largest companies on how they can use their unique skills and scale
to address global problems. From fighting climate change, reducing global obesity to
tackling human trafficking. Before this, I directed communications for Climate Week, a
campaign backed by Al Gore, Kofi Annan, Sir Paul McCartney, and Sir David
Attenborough.
I was born in Stoke-on-Trent and grew up in Norton and Stockton Brook. I studied
English at Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge. My writings have published in
the Financial Times, The Times, Harvard Business Review and the Wall Street Journal. I
am a trustee of Dramatic Need, a children's arts charity operating in Rwanda and South
Africa supported by the film director Danny Boyle. I have worked with Benedict
Cumberbatch, Nicole Kidman, and Eddie Redmayne as part of this mission.
On file
Bio / Enquire
Philip Johnson
Available
In-person
Topics
General Inspiration, in poetry form
I attended St. Thomas's RC primary in Stoke in the late 60's and St. Joseph's College RC Trent Vale in the early 70's. I recently sent a schools assembly to every primary and high school in the city which introduced all the key potteries characters from the last 100 years so some of these would certainly be referenced. I'd include one or two child-appropriate poems on themes such as 'don't give up on your dreams' or 'how do you want to be remembered' or poems with a specific Stoke theme. Then I'd move onto the city's image, this would be based on perceptions - some unfair and others very positive - gleaned from tourists I used to take around the city pre-Covid. (Many of these overseas tourists had lovely things to say about Stoke) I would also include some experiences from my 40 year teaching career, I only do occasional supply work nowadays, this would be mainly lighthearted but also with a message of 'let's enhance the city - let's elevate the city'. There would be some audience participation too. Thank you so much for considering me!
philipjohnson2009@hotmail.com
Bio / Enquire
Prof. David Amigoni
Available
Virtual & In-person
Topics
Higher Education, Public Sector Leadership, Cultural Management
I grew up in a part of the country where it was still possible to fail the 11-Plus: and I did. But I was always good at writing, and I loved reading, and so the fact that I went to a secondary modern school did not (entirely) stop me from getting to university. University was the making of me, where I did a degree in English and History. I then went to study as Masters at Keele University, where I now work: I specialised in Victorian Literature and cultural history – which continues to be the basis for my research expertise. I’ve been awarded a chair (my professor title) because of the work I’ve published on Victorian Literature (on Victorian life-writing and Victorian science – I especially love the writings of Charles Darwin). Besides, I did what some people call (a bit disparagingly) ‘admin’: I ran degree programmes, departments, institutes. This became the basis for the PVC leadership role I do (and love) now.
d.amigoni@keele.ac.uk
Bio / Enquire
Prof. Trevor McMillan OBE
Available
Virtual & In-person
Topics
Higher Education
I am from a mining village in County Durham. At Lancaster University, I studied
Biological Sciences and then did a PhD at the Institute of Cancer Research and Royal
Marsden Cancer Hospital in London. I was a full-time cancer researcher for 11 years
studying how cancer spreads and how it could be treated. I also researched how high
levels of sunlight can damage our bodies and potentially lead to cancer.
I then went back to Lancaster University, where I taught Biomedical Sciences as well as
leading many developments, including the formation of a Medical School. I came to
Keele University in 2014, and in 2015 I became Vice-Chancellor. In this role, I oversee
activities on the university as well as representing the university externally around
Staffordshire and beyond.
t.j.mcmillan@keele.ac.uk
Bio / Enquire
Rebecca de Lacy
Available
In-person
Topics
Fashion & Design
Born (1979) & raised in Trent Vale. I spent most of my time outside school between St.Teresa Church and the M.A.C or Jubilee Working Men’s Club (Dad worked at the Michelin Tyre Factory & Irish mother).
Around the mid 90’s I developed a serious interest in art, music, fashion and design and with the encouragement from some brilliant teachers and scepticism/fear of my family I applied to study BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University in 1997.
A first generation student I completed my degree in 2001 and built a successful career (14yrs) in Apparel Design within the Outdoor, Sportswear and Streetwear market, specializing in men’s performance outerwear. I transitioned into academia, becoming a Senior Lecturer in Fashion Design at MMU in 2016. Recently working as the academic lead on a collaborative project (you may recognise :) with Belstaff and our final year students who’s work was exhibited at the centenary event in Stoke, May 2024.
I live in Manchester with my own family and would describe myself as a part-time fashion design activist through the projects I run within my own community.
rebeccaledgar@yahoo.com
Bio / Enquire
Rees Davis-Campbell
Available
Virtual & In-person
Topics
Higher Education & Opportunities, Integrity & Relationships, Personal Development
I was born into the foster care system, and adopted by the age of 5 to parents that were not suitable to raise children. I was sent away to Africa in my teens to learn discipline and complete my GCSEs, came back to the UK battled homelessness and loss of a parent. Had a child and stumbled from job to job. At 26 I decided something in my life needed to change and thus I went to university. Since graduating I have launched a skin care brand, supported children in care through the first star programme for the past 4 years and now I am launching a community interest company Bee N spired, which dedicates it self to empowering and supporting young people in foster care, those at risk of incarceration and those estranged from their parents (all things I was as a child) through hands on applied STEAM workshops
rdcampbell728@gmail.com
Bio / Enquire
Richard Buxton
Available
Virtual & In-person
Topics
Business Leadership
I am the Manager for the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District
(BID) which means overseeing the budget and its expenditure within the district
through events, initiatives and investments and delivering the BID's strategy over the
five-year team.
My background includes being the former National Sales Director for Genuine Solutions
(Chemicals) Ltd, the owner of The Hippy Hippy Shake Co. Ltd., and the lead organiser for
the local Lymelight Music Festival. Most significantly, I come with plenty of BID
experience. He was formerly a Director of Newcastle-under-Lyme BID and a member of
the original Steering Group, but most recently I have been the BID Manager for Hemel
Hempstead.
bidmanager@stokeontrentbid.co.uk
Bio / Enquire
Simon Papiernik
Available
Virtual & In-person
Topics
Civil Engineering, Water Sector
I've worked in the Civil Engineering sector for over 20 years. My career has mainly been in the Water sector and during that time I have worked on many projects relating to water and waste water treatment, dam safety works and large reservoir works. One of the highlights was building the new reservoir at Hanchurch which provides storage of drinking water for most of Stoke-on-Trent. Throughout my career I've manage to stay located in Stoke-on-Trent. I work with many different Engineering professions as part of the solutions that we develop so anyone interested in STEM subjects could be interested in the water sector. This year i expect to become a Fellow of the Institute of Civil Engineers. I'm also a committee member of the Pipeline Industry Guild midlands branch
spapiernik@coffeygroup.com
Bio / Enquire
Stephen Brassington
Available
Virtual & In-person
Topics
Law
Born on London Road in Stoke.
Attended Alleynes Hogh Wchool in Stone, University at UCL London and later qualified as barrister, which has been my career for 30 years.
stephenbrassington@2harecourt.com
Trustee
Bio / Enquire
Zachary Lewis
Available
In-person
Topics
Product Design
After a rocky end to university life due to the 2020 pandemic, my classmates and i were left in a state of disrepair with no options and no guidence. For many, graduating from university and taking that step into the big bad grown-up world is exciting, however, with well-experienced workers losing their jobs due to cutbacks and finance issues caused by COVID, it was near impossible to find somewhere willing to take on anyone. This is where i founded my own industrial design consultancy, based in stoke on trent. Without a background in business, i reached out to a few placed for help and guidance hoping that someone would offer a helping hand. I received no response, no help and was more determined then ever to get my venture off the ground. With years of what seemed like an endless stream of hurdles, i can proudly say that i have spent the last four years building something that one day i hope to use to help others fulfil their dreams and break free of the reliant nature we all seem to condition ourselves with.
zaclewis98@outlook.com
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