Hello Stokies,
This month, we're celebrating a landmark moment for Made in Stoke as our Group Chair, Nicky Twemlow, is awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours for her outstanding service to philanthropy and the communities of Stoke-on-Trent.
We also hear from Made in Stoke co-founder Matthew Bowcock CBE on why giving back to the city that shaped us matters more than ever, share exciting opportunities to help shape the future of the City of Stoke-on-Trent Symphony Orchestra, and highlight the latest ways our members are creating life-changing opportunities for local young people, artists and communities.
From national recognition to local impact, there's plenty to be proud of across our Made in Stoke network.
Made in Stoke Group Chair Awarded an MBE
Nicky Twemlow, place-based leader and CEO of YMCA North Staffordshire, has been awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours for services to philanthropy and to the community in Stoke-on-Trent. The award reflects her outstanding contribution to communities across Stoke-on-Trent through the transformational success of Made in Stoke.
Nicky co-founded Made in Stoke in 2021 alongside Matthew Bowcock CBE, founder of the Beacon Collaborative, establishing a powerful diaspora network designed to reconnect people, talent and investment back into Stoke-on-Trent.
Since its launch, Made in Stoke has secured millions of pounds in philanthropic funding for initiatives across the city, helped children and young people thrive, supported arts and cultural projects, and raised the profile of Stoke-on-Trent by championing its people, potential and future.
A passionate advocate for social change and opportunity, Nicky has dedicated her career to strengthening communities and creating lasting opportunities for children and young people. Her leadership has brought together partners across business, philanthropy, culture and the voluntary sector to unlock investment, drive collaboration and create meaningful impact for local communities.
Speaking about the honour, Nicky said:
"To receive this recognition for work that celebrates and supports the city I love is both humbling and deeply special. I remain committed to unlocking investment and opportunities that create the conditions for lasting change.
I'm excited for what comes next as we continue building momentum for Made in Stoke, and I'm proud to be working alongside incredible partners, including the Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, The Shanahan Foundation, The Rigby Foundation and Hazelhurst Trust to help create a stronger, more ambitious future for our city."
Why I'm Made in Stoke – Matthew Bowcock CBE, Co-Founder
You used to be able to spot anybody from Stoke because they turned over their cup looking for the "Made in Stoke-on-Trent" stamp on the bottom. Just like pottery from Stoke which was exported to every part of the world, people that have been made in Stoke-on-Trent can be found in every corner of the globe and every walk of life. They are the "Stoke diaspora".
I left the Potteries when I was 22, but my family's origins go back centuries in Leek and having worked as a casual labourer in many of the potbanks when I was a student, some part of the city was stamped on some part of me. Maybe it's the warmth and humour of the people, perhaps it's the resilience that I saw as the traditional industries collapsed, maybe it's rather optimistically following the fortunes of the Potters, but I am proud to say that I was "Made in Stoke-on-Trent".
My wife and I founded a software company in Australia, moved to Silicon Valley and returned to the UK when I was 42. When we sold our business, I became involved with the Community Foundation movement and became chair of the national organisation, which made me ponder why people choose to give to causes and places. Now that I live in the South East, I wondered why there seemed to be no obvious way for me to connect with the city that made me, or even for the city to find me. I wrote a policy paper suggesting that cities with economic and social challenges were missing out on a valuable asset – the loyalty, goodwill, and sense of obligation that many people felt towards the place that had fashioned them, wherever they now live. After all, some countries' embassies have staff focused solely on encouraging ex-pats to give back to their home country. How can we find and engage Stoke's ex-pats?
So Made in Stoke was born, with support from Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire University, Staffordshire Community Foundation and a seed grant from the Hazelhurst Trust, our small family foundation. Of course, we wanted it to not only engage those that had money to give but also to encourage ex-Stokies with skills, contacts and expertise to give back – their "Time, Talent as well as Treasure". Becoming a school governor or providing opportunities for young people are as valuable as money. Made in Stoke has also encouraged local businesses that are "Rooted in Stoke" to participate and provide opportunities for young people.
The achievements since Made in Stoke was founded have already been listed in other newsletters but it has also been seen by government as a model and a number of other UK cities have copied it. Yet again, Stoke is the pioneer.
Matthew Bowcock CBE has devoted over a quarter of a century to growing philanthropy; he co-founded The Hazelhurst Trust, a family grant giving trust, served as Chair of Community Foundations UK, sat on the board of Philanthropy Impact, and acted as a National Council Member of The Arts Council. Matthew also co-founded the Beacon Collaborative and was Vice Chair of Watts Gallery.
He has maintained his strong connection with Stoke-on-Trent and helped establish both Made in Stoke and the cultural compact Stoke Creates. Matthew has remained dedicated and passionate about the city, using his experiences and social capital to advance it in many ways, particularly through his philanthropic work. We are immensely grateful to Matthew for his continued support of Made in Stoke.
Become a Trustee of the City of Stoke-on-Trent Symphony Orchestra
Help shape the future of one of Stoke-on-Trent's most inspiring cultural organisations.
The City of Stoke-on-Trent Symphony Orchestra (CSSO) is the city's resident professional orchestra, flying the flag for live music and championing the difference it can make to people and place.
As the orchestra enters an exciting new phase of growth, CSSO is seeking new trustees to join its Board and help drive its future success. They are particularly interested in hearing from people with experience in governance, fundraising and philanthropy, business leadership, marketing and audience development, or arts administration.
As a trustee, you'll play a vital role in guiding the charity, supporting its expanding concert programme, growing education and community activity, and helping build new partnerships across the city.
To find out more about the orchestra or the trustee role, contact Chair Lucy Moss at together@csso.co.uk.
For further information, visit csso.co.uk.
Application deadline: 31 July
To request a recruitment pack, please contact deb@madeinstoke.com.
Made in Stoke: Driving Change Across Our City
Made in Stoke continues to make a real difference across Stoke-on-Trent, with members creating life-changing opportunities and giving back to our communities in remarkable ways.
A dream opportunity unlocked
We've secured a life-changing work experience placement for a young person with leading London law firm Jones Day – opening doors, building confidence and inspiring future ambitions.
Celebrating our city's young people
One of our members has generously stepped forward to have offered to support Stoke-on-Trent City Council's Cared for Children Awards for the second consecutive year. This special event recognises and celebrates the achievements of children and young people living in foster care, residential placements and with connected carers.
Interested in supporting or sponsoring this inspiring event? Contact deb@madeinstoke.com to find out more.
Investing in emerging talent
Another Made in Stoke member has funded a creative retreat in Devon for emerging artists, giving them valuable time, space and inspiration to develop their craft and take the next step in their creative journey.
These are just a few examples of the impact our members are making every day – and there's even more exciting news in the pipeline.
We're optimistic for what's ahead and delighted to be contributing to a stronger future for our city together.
If you have an idea, opportunity, expertise, funding or resource that could support Stoke-on-Trent and its communities – we'd love to hear from you. Contact Deb Sanderson at deb@madeinstoke.com.
Big love,
