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Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Visitor Economy Partnership
Introducing the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP)
The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) marks the destination’s commitment to place management and joins other destinations across England supporting the development and delivery of England’s Tourism Strategy.
The partnership is a dynamic collaboration between local government, tourism organisations, business associations, and key stakeholders dedicated to promoting and enhancing the visitor economy.
VisitEngland has created portfolio of nationally supported, strategic and high-performing Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs). These LVEPs provide strong local leadership and governance in tourism destinations all over the country.
LVEPs work in collaboration locally, regionally and nationally on shared priorities and targets. Their mission is to support and grow the visitor economy through robust destination management, strong stakeholder relationships and clear planning.
The five key goals of the LVEP programme are; Strategy, Stability, Growth, Place shaping and training.
Through the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent LVEP Growth Plan 4 key priorities emerged:
- Business Tourism
- Education and Inclusion
- Marketing and Business Support
- Sustainability across all strands
Local Visitor Economy Partnership Board
The Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Inaugural board was launched in January 2025.
Meet the LVEP Board
| Name | Organisation |
| Arthur Barnard - (Chair LVEP Board) | Philip Astley Projects CIC |
| Maria Howes - (Deputy Chair LVEP Board) | National Memorial Arboretum |
| Craig Simmonds (Priority Lead - Business Tourism) | Stoke City Football Club |
| Frances-Marie Hitchen (Priority Lead - Education & Inclusion) | University of Staffordshire |
| Richard Drakeley (Priority Lead - Sustainability) | The National Forest Company |
| Adrian Davies (Priority Lead - Marketing & Business Support) | Bents Limited |
| Alastair Budd | Trentham Estate |
| Colin Sweeney | Weston Park |
| Cllr Martin Murray | Staffordshire County Council |
| Cllr Jane Ashworth | Stoke-on-Trent City Council |
| Cllr Matthew Swindlehurst (Borough & District Authority Lead) | Staffordshire Moorlands District Council |
| Lee Philps | World of Wedgwood |
| Scott Randall | Marriott Hotels |
| Wayne Goodall | Waterworld Leisure Ltd. |
Download LVEP Governance Papers
LVEP Board meeting minutes 3rd October 2024
