Staffordshire Ambassador of the Year announced

A Staffordshire Ambassador has been recognised for her role in promoting the county at an awards ceremony.

This year’s award was presented to Karen Jennings of Lichfield Cathedral, who was one of five finalists shortlisted.

We Are Staffordshire's Ambassador of the Year was announced at the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Business Awards, which celebrated the best of the county's businesses.

The Ambassador of the Year award recognises businesses or individuals who have gone above and beyond to tell the Staffordshire story – taking part in events and working hard to promote the county wherever possible, with the winner being chosen by We Are Staffordshire businesses and supporters.

Karen is the events and operations manager at Lichfield Cathedral with responsibility for overseeing the management of the exciting and creative programme of events, art installations and exhibitions that attract visitors to the Cathedral from across the region, UK and overseas.

She has supported We Are Staffordshire in the delivery of a number of successful events and campaigns during the past few years.

There are now over 300 Staffordshire Ambassadors who have pledged their support to We Are Staffordshire and their work to bang the drum for the county.

This will be the third year for the Ambassador Award. Karen follows in the footsteps of previous winners, Philip Carter of Leek based Ornua Foods and Gill and Will Sherwin of Newcastle-under-Lyme based Best of British Beer.

Hundreds of business owners and leaders attended this year’s Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce awards at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Festival Park, Stoke-on-Trent. Karen was presented with her award by last year’s winner, Philip Carter, and Louise Shaw of We Are Staffordshire.

Karen said: "I’m surprised, excited and honoured to have been awarded the We Are Staffordshire Ambassador of the Year award. I’ve worked with the team on several events including Ambassador events, supporting their Staffordshire Day work with young people and most recently securing the city of Lichfield as host for the City Nation Place UK conference, attracting delegates from across the UK right here to the city and the Cathedral.

“Being part of We Are Staffordshire helps to raise awareness of both Lichfield and Lichfield Cathedral. I’m proud to live and work in Staffordshire and it’s great to come together to promote and support our fantastic county.

“Lichfield Cathedral is a fantastic historic site. Winning this award is not only a personal honour but represents the hard work of the Cathedral and the whole team here.”

Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said: “It’s fantastic to see the Staffordshire Ambassador category once again at the Chambers of Commerce Business Awards. We want to raise awareness of our ambassadors and all the work they do in promoting Staffordshire as a great place to live, work, explore and invest. Thank you to the Chamber for once again partnering with us to promote this award.

“Staffordshire Ambassadors provide amazing support, engagement and donations for our events and activities. Karen thoroughly deserves this recognition for the work she does to support our place making efforts.

“I’d like to commend all this year’s finalists, who go above and beyond to promote Staffordshire and all it has to offer. We had over 750 votes cast this year, showing the strong support for all of their work and commitment to the county.”

We Are Staffordshire also congratulated the other shortlisted finalists:

David Hunter, Nelson’s Gin

Claire Williams, Stoke-on-Trent College

Martin Tideswell, Staffordshire University

Cris Cohen, FEASTED

Find out more about their work to support We Are Staffordshire.

Join the We Are Staffordshire Ambassador Network.

Pictured: Karen Jennings pictured with last year’s winner Philip Carter alongside Louisa Shaw and Louise Shaw of We Are Staffordshire.