Alumni Business Person of the Year 2026
Category criteria
- Entrants for this category must be University of Staffordshire alumni.
- Entrants could be employed or self-employed but should be directly responsible for the success of their enterprise.
- The judges will be looking for evidence of the entrants’ determination to make the most of new opportunities to help fuel their company’s success.
Ben and Michael Dyer
Alumni Business Person of the Year entrant
Founded by University of Staffordshire alumni, The Inspirational Learning Group has become one of the UK’s leading careers, enterprise and employability education providers.
From its base in Stafford it works with schools, colleges, employers and international partners to create meaningful opportunities for young people.
With projected turnover now exceeding £1.5 million and strong recurring revenues across education and corporate partnerships, the business has continued to grow despite challenging economic conditions and increasing pressure across the education sector.
Stoke-on-Trent born cousins Ben and Michael Dyer founded the business in 2013 while they were both still studying at University of Staffordshire.
From humble beginnings, working from a rented office on the University of Staffordshire campus, TILG has become a market-leader in the careers education sector, with its flagship The National Careers Challenge now the largest school enterprise competition in the UK.
The team supports thousands of students, teachers and employers each year through initiatives such as The National Careers Challenge, which has now reached more than 750,000 young people across the UK and internationally.
Ben said: “The team’s ability to deliver at this scale while maintaining quality, energy and strong customer relationships is what makes them exceptional. They work across live events, national finals, in-school delivery, digital platform management and employer partnerships, often balancing multiple major projects at once. Their commitment to customer service, innovation and educational impact consistently goes beyond expectation.
“Entrepreneurship sits at the centre of TILG’s story. Founded with a vision to transform careers education and bridge the gap between education and employment, the business has grown from a start-up into a nationally recognised organisation working with some of the biggest employers in the UK, including NatWest, British Airways, Air Products, Wickes, GE Vernova and AtkinsRéalis.
“This entrepreneurial journey has required resilience, risk-taking and constant innovation. From building The National Careers Challenge into the UK’s largest enterprise competition, to launching the Lightbulb platform and leading new work around Equalex and Modern Work Experience, TILG has consistently stayed ahead of policy change and market demand rather than reacting to it.
“The business is now helping shape how schools and employers approach the Government’s 10-day work experience guarantee, positioning itself as a true market leader in this space.”
He added: “Most importantly, TILG creates genuine change. It helps young people build confidence, develop employability skills and connect with real employers and real opportunities. It supports schools in delivering meaningful careers education at scale and helps employers engage with future talent in a way that creates measurable social value.
“What makes TILG stand out is the combination of exceptional teamwork, entrepreneurial leadership, commercial resilience and long-term purpose. It is not simply a successful business it is a business making a meaningful difference.”
The Inspirational Learning Group has entered the Team of the Year and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards. Ben and Michael Dyer have entered the Entrepreneur of the Year, Alumni Business Person of the Year and Young Business Person of the Year categories.
Kate Holt
Alumni Business Person of the Year entrant
Kate Holt is the Managing Director of BusinessLodge and has played a pivotal role in driving its growth and expansion in Stoke-on-Trent, with a second £1.5million space opening earlier this year.
The University of Staffordshire Sports and Leisure Management Alumna was heavily involved in the hockey team and was a member of the British Universities cricket team during her time studying in Stoke-on-Trent in the 1990s, a city she’s never forgotten.
Since 2014 Kate has led the growth of BusinessLodge, supporting clients to build their businesses, growing and supporting the local economy. A role which is echoed in the Northwest where Kate also oversees and is leading the expansion of sites in Widnes and Bury.
Kate has personally overseen the company’s investment into Heron House which has transformed a former NHS and Midlands Electricity Board building into a high-quality, 20,000 sq. ft flexible workspace in Heron Cross, bringing a prominent building back into use and contributing to the area’s regeneration. It has reached 29% occupancy within just four months, with further phases set to expand its capacity to around 300 workstations supporting up to 50 businesses.
Kate also oversees the continued success of Trent House in Fenton, which opened in 2019 and has become a well-established base for a wide range of businesses. Together, these two sites position BusinessLodge as a key provider of flexible workspace in the city, supporting companies at every stage of their journey.
While Stoke-on-Trent is a major focus of recent investment and growth, Kate also leads the wider BusinessLodge portfolio, including expanding sites in Widnes and Bury. She was instrumental in overseeing the opening of the Widnes site, after a total redevelopment.
Over the past 12 months, Kate has successfully navigated significant challenges while continuing to grow the business. Like many organisations, BusinessLodge has faced rising cost pressures, including increased National Insurance contributions, higher energy costs and general inflationary pressures. At the same time, clients have been managing tighter budgets, requiring a careful balance between maintaining high service standards and remaining competitively priced.
Kate has responded by maintaining close control of financial performance while reinforcing the value of the BusinessLodge offering. By focusing on flexibility, quality and service, the business has continued to attract and retain clients despite a challenging economic climate. As a result, BusinessLodge has delivered consistent growth in sales turnover, underpinned by sustained demand for high-quality, flexible workspace. This upward trajectory is set to continue into 2026, supported by increased capacity following Heron House’s opening.
Kate’s focus now is on building on the strong foundations established in Stoke-on-Trent while continuing to strengthen the wider business. Further expansion is planned, with Phase 4 at Trent House set to deliver an additional 100 workstations over the next 12 months, while future phases at Heron House will add a further 80 workstations. Alongside this, continued growth across Widnes and Bury will further enhance the BusinessLodge network. Phase four of expansion at the Widnes office will see space for another 100 workstations.
At the same time, a new training platform will be introduced to support team development and ensure consistently high standards. With strong occupancy levels, sustained demand for flexible workspace and a clear growth strategy, the business is well positioned for the future.
Kate Holt has entered the Alumni Business Person of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Tomasz Putynkowski
Alumni Business Person of the Year entrant
It’s been a successful year for University of Staffordshire alumnus Tomasz Putynkowski, including reaching the finals of the LUCA Awards — the highest national award in the UK for bookkeeping and accountancy professionals.
Tomasz is the founder of Fenton-based JMT, an accountancy and business advisory firm that has now supported more than 170 small and medium-sized enterprises across Staffordshire and beyond.
He is also the CEO of a supported living non-profit organisation dedicated to providing quality housing and support for less fortunate adults in the Staffordshire area.
Over the past two years he has collaborated with University of Staffordshire, where he studied for a number of professional qualifications, and Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs, share real-world business insight and bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application.
His involvement helps equip students with financial literacy, entrepreneurial confidence and a clearer understanding of the challenges and rewards of running a business.
Over the past three years alone, Tomasz has helped raise and donate more than £7,000 for local charities and community initiatives. He has organised and supported numerous fundraising events and continuously promotes civic engagement within the business sector.
Previously serving as Treasurer of the Staffordshire Autistic Society, he has contributed financial governance and strategic oversight within the charity sector, demonstrating responsibility and accountability beyond his own enterprise.
“I love my job and what I do,” Tomasz said. “It gives me the opportunity to be involved in so many positive things and to help as many people as possible. Everything is going in the right direction.”
Tomasz has entered the Entrepreneur of the Year and Alumni Business Person of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Jodie Steele
Alumni Business Person of the Year entrant
University of Staffordshire alumna Jodie Steele has created three brands inspired by her own experiences with neurodiversity.
The 44-year-old, from Stone, graduated in Marketing in 2003 and went on to work in high-pressure sales and marketing roles for multinational businesses including five years working overseas. She has worked for newspaper groups and in both radio and television.
During the pandemic she had a neurological crash which caused problems with her vision and a loss of motor skills on the right side of her body. She also had a late diagnosis of ADHD.
Jodie has spent several years rehabilitating during which the marketeer in her realised that her own lived experience was the basis of a brand that could help other people. That brand is also now becoming an income stream for Jodie.
She founded NeuroTalks, a lived experience led training and consultancy business that supports organisations to build neuro-inclusive, high-performing and psychologically safe environments.
A growing suite of digital products have been developed including free and paid workbooks, training resources and recorded content.
Alongside Neurotalks she has developed complementary ventures Alchemy Souls Travel, an inclusive and wellbeing-led travel storytelling brand, and Aura & Ash, a sustainability-focused lifestyle brand.
All three brands are gaining increased social media interaction. Jodie has been doing paid work through her brands since November including collaborations with the likes of the RSPCA.
Jodie said: “This could have broken a lot of people but if I can use it to help other people then I think that’s a really positive thing and it motivates me to do more.”
Jodie has entered the Alumni Business Person of the Year category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards and has entered NeuroTalks into the Innovation, Skills For The Future and Business in the Community categories.
She added: “I’m a graduate of University of Staffordshire and this is not simply a historical detail; it is part of my identity as a business leader. The value of that learning, real-world relevance and community connection continue to influence how I operate today.
“I represent the kind of graduate who builds impact over time and offers sustained contribution; not a single business, but an ecosystem; not profit at the expense of people, but performance through inclusion.
“To be recognised as Alumni Business Person of the Year would not only reflect my own journey but would shine a light on the importance of neuro-inclusive leadership, wellbeing-led innovation and values-driven entrepreneurship - areas that increasingly define future work, travel and community life.”
Ryan Lloyd
Alumni Business Person of the Year nominee
Back in 2006, after studying for a Masters in Broadcast Journalism at University of Staffordshire, Ryan Lloyd co-founded Inspired Film and Video with the support of the University’s Enterprise Fellowship Scheme.
Two decades later that small start-up has grown into a respected production company working with clients across the UK and internationally.
Ryan is now creative director, working alongside fellow directors Daniel Stubbs and Michael McDonald and with a team of dedicated film makers.
Under Ryan’s guidance, Inspired has delivered a wide range of high-quality productions, from corporate and promotional content to large-scale event filming. The company’s work has taken them across the globe, building a reputation for storytelling that is both engaging and impactful.
Standout achievements include collaborating with Emmy Award-winning travel journalist Peter Greenberg to produce a travel documentary exploring the Hidden Gems of Manchester, which was broadcast on CBS.
Ryan has remained deeply committed to University of Staffordshire and its students. Inspired Film and Video has developed a strong and ongoing relationship with the University, delivering a variety of projects over the years. Ryan and his team have managed extensive filming of summer and autumn degree ceremonies, capturing significant moments for thousands of graduates and their families.
Ryan’s commitment to the University extends far beyond commercial collaboration. He has played a key role in supporting the next generation of creative talent through Inspired’s bursary initiative for media production students. This bursary helps students bring their short film ideas to life, providing vital financial support and encouragement at a crucial stage in their development.
Ryan has contributed his time and expertise by serving on judging panels and offering guidance to students. His involvement provides invaluable insight into industry expectations and helps bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice. This hands-on support reflects his genuine commitment to giving back and supporting emerging talent.
His dedication to nurturing future creatives is also reflected within his own business. He leads a team of five creatives at Inspired Film and Video, all of whom are graduates of the University of Staffordshire. By employing alumni, Ryan demonstrates his confidence in the University’s graduates while creating meaningful career opportunities within the local area. He takes pride in supporting enthusiastic young creatives, helping them build skills, confidence and long-term careers in the industry.
Ryan has been nominated in the Alumni Business Person of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by Inspired Film and Video’s Managing Director, Daniel Stubbs.
Daniel said: “Through his work Ryan has contributed to the growth of the regional creative economy while maintaining strong ties to the University community. His career reflects a balance of commercial success, creative achievement and social impact—qualities that distinguish him as both a leader and a role model.
“From student to successful entrepreneur, Ryan Lloyd’s journey embodies the transformative power of education, opportunity and determination. His continued engagement with the University of Staffordshire through collaboration, mentorship and investment in student development demonstrates a deep and lasting commitment to giving back.”
Rob Fenton
Alumni Business Person of the Year nominee
Community and impact surround every project and intervention that Rob Fenton leads. A graphic artist and muralist, Rob’s work is evident across Staffordshire and far beyond, notably making an impact on key high streets in Stoke-on-Trent city centre and Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Rob calls his murals and pieces of art ‘interventions’ because they are just that, opportunities to change narrative, prompt new conversation and create spaces that become communal, shared or are changed by the very presence of something new, unfamiliar or different.
His mural projects on the high street provide a moment for local residents and visitors alike, to experience art in their location, to alter their reality or inspire new thinking in a vibrant and welcoming way.
After graduating from University of Staffordshire with a degree in Graphic Design, Rob has built a reputation over the last 20 years as a champion of the transformative power of art in shaping the social fabric of cities and high streets.
With a passion for creativity, design and innovation, alongside a deep understanding of the power of art in fostering community engagement, Rob is dedicated to contributing to the regeneration of public and shared spaces.
Although Rob works nationally and internationally, it is in the creative county of Staffordshire and from his studio at the Roslyn Works in Longton that he hopes he can make the most significant positive impact on the aspirations of the next generation by demonstrating the power that street art can have on urban renewal and community cohesion.
Rob applies an innovative and collaborative approach to all his mural projects to ensure that his interventions on the high street and urban areas are both groundbreaking and thought provoking, as well as inclusive of some of the best local talent and skills in the area. Every project needs help. From creative direction and commissioning to innovative partnerships and bold vision, Rob’s interventions are created by teams.
Collaborating with other artists and specialists is key to delivering dynamic work but these can’t be realised without high street partnerships, scaffolding expertise, digital support, street cleaning, videographers, tree surgeons, musicians and many more.
Rob believes that contributing to high street regeneration is a community effort that can foster connections, promote dialogue and create new commercial opportunities and employment for other skills in the city and beyond. Rob actively collaborates with local organisations, government agencies and community members to identify spaces in need of revitalisation and to ensure that his artwork reflects the unique identity and aspirations of each neighbourhood or high street.
This work is always meaningful and often provokes emotion and conversation, giving the space for people to engage in their high street in a way that may not have been previously possible. This counters negative narratives about places, assumptions about opportunities and any lack of confidence that may exist as a result of unloved or declining locations.
Rob’s work is often the first of its kind in the UK using pioneering techniques, unique project scopes and technical skills that can often have as much emphasis on engineering as art.
A recent and prominent example is the 100 Years, 100 Faces Mural to celebrate 100 years of Stoke-on-Trent. This project was a collaboration with Alastair Barnett and Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID to bring together the faces of key individuals from the last century who have made a significant contribution to the arts, industry, community and beyond in the city. The first of its kind in Britain, Rob led a team of people to use technology, portraiture and design to create a mural that has now been visited by tens of thousands of people from across the UK, including more than 300 guests on the launch evening.
The mural is not only a chance to raise the profile of a city centre so often overlooked, but also to raise the confidence of those engaging with it to visit again, take a new creative path or create their own change making networks. This is an example of the repeated ‘ripple effect’ that public art installations and murals have, far beyond the intervention itself.
Other high street impact examples of work that Rob has been part of over recent years has been a full building height mural for the centenary celebrations of iconic Stoke-on-Trent founded brand Belstaff in Longton which not only shines a light on a home grown, internationally loved heritage brand, but also revitalises and prompts conversation again and again in the high streets of Longton.
Rob has also been part of high street interventions that are being adopted by other high streets from Scotland to the south west. Artbox was an innovative partnership between BT and Rob, who developed a way of creating art on BT junction boxes to elevate the public realm and spark dialogue.
Rob is now advising other high street partnerships about how to practically create vibrant art for good, that welcomes both local residents and visitors.
Of course, Rob Fenton projects aren’t just about making spaces more vibrant or colourful, they also depict local history, celebrate cultural diversity or advocate for social justice, often carrying a powerful message that resonates with the surrounding community.
Rob Fenton has been nominated in the High Street Impact and Alumni Business Person of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Caroline Farnell-Smith
Alumni Business Person of the Year entrant
Since graduating with an LLB (Hons) followed by a CPE and an LLM from University of Staffordshire, Caroline Farnell-Smith combines the analytical rigour of a triple-alumni legal background with the creative heart of the Potteries.
Her most recent enterprise, which began as local village hall workshops, has evolved into a growing business harnessing Staffordshire creativity.
The Pottery Cave was formally established as a limited company in April 2025 and now has premises, a team of 12 staff and an ambitious but sustainable growth plan.
The business has achieved a 100%+ increase in turnover over the past 12 months. Growth has been driven by diversified services, high customer demand and strong repeat business.
In the last year alone The Pottery Cave, based at Curborough Countryside Centre in Lichfield, has delivered ceramics sessions to more than 10,000 customers.
The Pottery Cave is a creative pottery studio and community hub offering pottery classes, workshops and bespoke ceramic products. Originally established as a grassroots community initiative operating from village halls, the studio was created to make ceramics accessible, social and enjoyable for everyone.
Caroline’s connection to ceramics began in the 1980s. While she spent years honing her intellectual discipline at University of Staffordshire, the tactile pull of the Ceramics remained her true north.
Caroline invested heavily in her own technical mastery. She sought out world-class training in advanced wheel throwing from industry titans like Kevin Millward, the master potter and technical brainchild behind The Great Pottery Throwdown, and acclaimed Master Potter Gabriel Nichols, further refining her advanced throwing and production techniques.
Armed with a Certificate in Teaching, Caroline began testing the market in village halls. The overwhelming response validated her vision, leading to the opening of her first small studio in 2021 and setting the stage for aggressive commercial expansion.
As a lifelong champion of Staffordshire’s rich industrial heritage, she strategically aligned her business with top-tier industry manufacturers, whilst investing heavily in the heart of the ceramics Industry in Staffordshire.
Elevating from a local tutor to a trusted industry partner, she established a direct relationship with Valentine Clays to support the testing of their new LoStone clay and accompanying reactive glaze product range working with their technical teams at both Valentines Clay and Milton Bridge Ceramic Colours to field-test their revolutionary studio ready glazes at the cutting edge of ceramic innovation.
Caroline Farnell-Smith has entered the Alumni Business Person of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Rachel Hayward
Alumni Business Person of the Year entrant
When Rachel Hayward graduated with a 2:1 in Business from University of Staffordshire in 1995 she never imagined she would one day run an award-winning business of her own.
Following a successful 20-year career across HR, employability and the voluntary sector, redundancy unexpectedly became the catalyst for entrepreneurship. At the age of 42, in 2015, Rachel founded Ask the Chameleon (ATC), a Burton-based consultancy specialising in funding applications, public procurement bids, business awards and growth support for SMEs, charities and social enterprises.
What began as a leap of necessity has become a nationally respected business with a reputation for helping smaller organisations compete for opportunities often dominated by larger competitors.
To date ATC has supported clients to secure more than £197 million in contracts, funding and framework opportunities. Rachel’s clients range from first-time bidders and charities to manufacturers, education providers and national organisations.
What distinguishes Rachel is not simply the value of contracts secured. It is her determination to create opportunities for others. She has built a business rooted in generosity, collaboration and helping smaller organisations believe they belong in spaces often perceived as inaccessible.
Whether supporting SMEs to access contracts, navigating procurement reform or creating new services in response to changing market conditions, Rachel has consistently adapted, evolved and found new ways to grow both her business and the organisations she supports.
One example is ATC’s Tender Alert service. Rachel recognised that SMEs were overwhelmed by procurement portals and struggling to identify relevant opportunities. So she created a bi-monthly Tender Alert bulletin curating live opportunities from across the UK, helping businesses save time and access contracts they may otherwise never have discovered. This has become a valued service and an important part of ATC’s client offer, demonstrating Rachel’s ability to identify emerging needs and turn them into sustainable business opportunities.
Rachel’s influence extends beyond her commercial work. Early this year she conceived, created and led the Ducks in a Row fundraising campaign for Trent Rowing Club. Rachel recognised the clu’'s ambition for a new boat shed would require more than traditional fundraising. Drawing on the commercial skills she uses within ATC she developed a campaign capable of attracting funding partners, sponsorship, media attention and community support. She secured £15,000 match funding from Sport England Movement Fund, raised the funds needed and secured coverage on ITV Central News.
Rachel Hayward has entered the Alumni Business Person of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Ellina Pollitt
Alumni Business Person of the Year entrant
What began as a solo project for Ellina Pollitt during her time as a student at University of Staffordshire has turned into a multi-award-winning, internationally-recognised jewellery brand.
Ellina, who co-designed the University’s mace, has had her designs featured in glossy, lifestyle magazines in the UK and overseas, including in Vogue.
Originally from Russia and now living in Biddulph, Ellina has exhibited nationally and internationally at prestigious events including Munich Jewellery Week, Goldsmiths Fair, Goldsmiths North, Cluster Contemporary Jewellery Fair in London, and New York Jewellery Week. She has represented both Staffordshire and University of Staffordshire on an international platform, showcasing innovative British design to audiences across Europe and the United States.
Her work has received significant industry recognition. She was awarded a Gold Award from the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council for Laser Technologies and received the overall Alfa Laser Award. She was shortlisted as a finalist for Rising Star of the Year at the National Association of Jewellers Awards and received the Luminary Award in New York for wearable art.
Ellina blends traditional jewellery-making techniques with cutting-edge technologies such as fibre laser cutting and powder coating.
She joined University of Staffordshire in 2016 for a foundation year followed by a BA (Hons) in 3D Design (Jewellery) which she completed with First-Class Honours. She later returned to join the Peter Coates MSc in Entrepreneurship, which supported the development of her business.
She is a strong advocate of the transformational power of education and says she owes much of her current success to the support she has received during her time at University of Staffordshire.
She said: “Alongside building my business, I have actively contributed to education and community engagement across Staffordshire. During the past year I have delivered jewellery workshops, creative sessions and educational talks for students and community groups, sharing both practical jewellery-making skills and entrepreneurial knowledge.
“Working with Stoke-on-Trent College and local arts organisations has allowed me to inspire future creatives while demonstrating how art, design and business can work together to create career opportunities.
“The growth of my business has also been supported through strategic collaborations with photographers, fashion creatives, galleries and international exhibition organisers.
“One of the achievements I am most proud of is establishing my own jewellery workshop after completing my studies. This has enabled me to continue developing collections, teaching workshops and creating new opportunities for business growth. Through determination and innovation, I have transformed a passion for jewellery design into a sustainable business with international reach.
“My journey has not been without challenges. As a mature student, single mother and entrepreneur, I have balanced education, family responsibilities and business development simultaneously. Building a creative business while completing two degrees required resilience, commitment and continuous learning.
“The support I received from mentors, lecturers and the wider University community played a significant role in helping me overcome obstacles and continue progressing professionally.
“University of Staffordshire has remained an important part of my journey, and I am proud to continue representing the institution through my achievements and business activities. My story demonstrates how education, creativity and entrepreneurship can create meaningful opportunities, not only for individual success but also for contributing to the wider creative economy.
“Looking ahead, my ambition is to continue expanding internationally, collaborate with fashion designers and luxury brands, develop educational opportunities for emerging creatives, and further establish Staffordshire as a region recognised for innovation and contemporary design.”
Ellina Pollitt has entered the Alumni Business Person of the Year, Growth, Entrepreneur of the Year and Innovation categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Rachel and Mathew Dimbleby
Alumni Business Person of the Year entrant
Less than two years after opening, ceramic café Kiln at Number 12 has won awards, attracted customers from around the world and expanded into the neighbouring unit at Longton Exchange.
In April of this year owners Rachel and Mathew Dimbleby, who are University of Staffordshire alumni, took over a second unit at the shopping centre to open a dedicated creative studio for Dimbleby Ceramics.
Both businesses are thriving and have become a tourist attraction for Stoke-on-Trent. Pottery making or painting with the Dimbleys has become a must do for overseas visitors to the region while people from other parts of the UK change their travel arrangements to plan in a visit.
Demand for pottery painting had more than doubled every weekend, with school holiday sessions booking out well in advance. To meet this sustained increase in footfall across both the café and workshop offerings and with revenue rising by at least a third month on month, expansion became essential.
Kiln at Number 12 is now firmly embedded in the local community with a loyal customer base, many of whom are greeted by name and with their preferred drink. The café has become known for its high quality coffee, cakes, food and drinks and has even welcomed well known faces, including Keith Brymer Jones during filming for The Great Pottery Throw Down alongside other cast and crew.
Despite its rapid growth, Kiln at Number 12 has retained its warm, relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Its sister space, Dimbleby Ceramics, offers a lighter aesthetic with a Scandinavian / Japanese influence. Both interiors were thoughtfully designed by Rachel and Mathew, drawing inspiration from the Heritage Colours of Longton created by local CIC Urban Wilderness. The couple personally carried out the shop fits, supported by friends and family.
Dimbleby Ceramics has also become an international draw. Master Potter Mathew’s throwing on the potter’s wheel workshops have attracted visitors from across the globe. Recent guests include a group of 15 tourists from Switzerland for a studio tour and demonstration, as well as visitors from across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Washington DC, Los Angeles, China, London and numerous UK towns and cities.
The expanded studio now accommodates larger parties and corporate groups, with recent bookings from Woolcool, Bet365, Stoke City FC youth team and the NHS.
Mathew said: “As AI takes a firmer foothold in everyday life, the need for an honest space where genuine hands on creativity and face to face social interaction can flourish is becoming increasingly important.
“Wellbeing and mindfulness must remain a priority and Dimbleby Ceramics is uniquely positioned to meet this need, with the knowledge, skills and authenticity required to support meaningful creative experiences.”
To build on this momentum, Rachel, drawing on her 28 years of experience as an art and design teacher, is broadening the workshop programme to include painting and printmaking, complementing the core ceramics offering and further enhancing the creative potential of the space.
When Kiln at Number 12 first opened the business employed just one part time staff member alongside Rachel and Mathew. As demand grew, so did the team. With two shops now operating, the business employs seven part time staff, each fully invested in the company’s ethos. Team members receive training in pottery painting processes, barista skills and general café operations. Customer reviews consistently highlight the team’s warmth, attentiveness and expertise.
Kiln at Number 12 and Dimbleby Ceramics have entered the High Street Impact and Growth categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards. Mathew and Rachel have entered the Entrepreneur of the Year and Alumni Business Person of the Year categories.