University of Staffordshire Director of Commercial Strategy Martin Tideswell on why actively “bigging up” the area where we live and work – Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire – has big picture benefits.
I want to talk about place… and why I’m always banging the drum for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
On social media platforms such as LinkedIn it’s easy to focus purely on our employers, our companies and our colleagues. And of course, that constant positive reinforcement of brand matters. But it’s also expected… And people see it for what it is, of course.
What’s often missing from people’s interactions and activity is the bigger picture.
Every day we all have an opportunity to champion the place we’re part of. To tell people why Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are great places to live, work, study and build a future.
Because when you promote your place, you’re not just telling a story about where you are – you’re strengthening the reputation of your business, and other businesses, your organisation and other organisations, and the people around you.
You’re also inviting people to visit and learn more about the place you love. About oatcakes and lobby. About our green spaces. About the people who make our space.
So if you see me sharing positive updates about my home city and county, about the mighty Dougie Mac, for which I’m proud to be a Trustee, or my alma mater City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College, where I am a proud to be a Governor, it’s because giving back matters. Place-making matters.
That’s why I am so pleased, alongside my colleague Jenny Amphlett, to be working on the University of Staffordshire Business Awards and the Your Heroes community awards – now in its 20th year and shining a spotlight on the unsung folk and groups that make our communities special.
Both events – in their own way – champion our place and its people. They tell positive, uplifting, heartwarming stories. And they speak of a place that’s rich in creativity, culture and community.
There are thousands of brilliant people, places, brands and businesses in our neck of the woods.
So make the effort to be an ambassador. Be an advocate. Use your network. Promote others. Share the love.
Place matters. Let’s talk about it more. And let’s talk ours up!
Martin Tideswell is Director of Commercial Strategy at University of Staffordshire, a former Director at Port Vale Football Club and the former Editor-in-Chief of The Sentinel newspaper and StokeonTrentLive
