Mandy is a highly influential business leader and boardroom chair, recognised nationally for her strategic leadership across economic growth, governance and complex public‑private partnerships. As Chair of the Telford and Shropshire LVEP, she provides confident, independent leadership to shape the long‑term success of the visitor economy.

Her career includes senior roles as Chair of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, President of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce and Chair of Lingen Davies Cancer Trust. She is also a Deputy Lieutenant for Shropshire, reflecting her exceptional contribution to the county’s civic and economic life. Mandy brings a deep personal commitment to Telford and Shropshire, championing the area’s potential as a distinctive, high‑performing and nationally respected destination.

Alex is Vice Chair of the Telford and Shropshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership, Cabinet Member for Transformation & Economic Growth and Deputy Leader of Shropshire Council, bringing strong strategic leadership and a national profile in local government. His role spans, place, regeneration and partnership working, with a clear focus on innovative, sustainable and inclusive growth.  

Alex brings significant experience in cabinet decision‑making, town‑centre renewal, culture‑led regeneration and community engagement, and is recognised nationally for his leadership and impact.  

He plays a key role in aligning tourism with wider objectives around infrastructure, quality of life and resilient local economies. 

As Vice Chair, Alex provides a strong voice for communities and local places, championing long‑term sustainability, collaboration and ensuring tourism growth delivers balanced benefits across Shropshire’s towns, rural areas and destinations. 

Angela is a highly experienced civic leader and Vice Chair of the Telford and Shropshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership, bringing substantial Cabinet‑level leadership to the Board. As Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism, Culture and the Arts at Telford & Wrekin Council, she has extensive experience in shaping policy, investment and delivery across culture‑led regeneration and place‑based growth.

Angela is widely recognised for her strengths in strategic governance, partnership working and securing funding, alongside a deep understanding of how tourism, culture and major developments can drive inclusive growth. Her experience spans regeneration, infrastructure, community assets and cultural investment, working closely with national bodies, local partners and delivery organisations.

As Vice Chair, Angela plays a central leadership role in shaping Board priorities and ensuring the visitor economy delivers long‑term economic, cultural and social value for communities across Telford and Shropshire.

Seb is Executive Director of Shrewsbury BID and Chair of Visit Shropshire, leading town centre strategy and destination marketing. He brings extensive experience in partnership working, place leadership and economic development. His work includes delivering the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan, aligning public and private sector partners to secure investment and deliver change. Seb is actively involved in regional and national networks supporting towns and visitor destinations. He represents place and towns, helping ensure local priorities inform wider destination strategy.

Alison is a nationally respected leader and influential voice in the business events sector, and Managing Director of Telford International Centre, a major purpose-built venue for conferences, exhibitions, consumer shows and sporting events. Through her leadership, Telford and Shropshire is now firmly recognised as one of the UK’s top destinations for business events, competing with confidence on a national stage.

With extensive senior level experience across the business events industry, including, previously, leadership roles at Harrogate Convention Centre and now Telford International Centre, Alison has been instrumental in securing high profile conventions and major events that generate significant economic impact. Since her appointment as Managing Director, she has driven a clear strategic vision focused on service excellence and business class venue standards. A passionate advocate for the sector, Alison champions the power of business events to connect people, attract investment and elevate the national profile of Telford and Shropshire.

Jonathan Soden is Managing Director of Soden Collection in Shrewsbury, which he has developed into a contemporary gallery working with emerging and established artists. He brings experience in engaging audiences locally, nationally and internationally while contributing to the town’s cultural offer. His work includes involvement in initiatives such as the Shrewsbury Arts Trail and collaborations with cultural partners. Jonathan’s expertise focuses on how culture can support place and economic growth. He represents the arts and heritage sector, strengthening its role within the visitor economy.

Will is the owner of Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World, which he has grown into a major independent visitor attraction. He brings hands-on experience in attraction development, innovation and delivering engaging, inclusive visitor experiences. His work includes expanding the site to include over 100 animal species and large-scale themed attractions. Will has worked in partnership with designers, education providers and local authorities to deliver new experiences. He represents smaller attractions, ensuring their perspective is reflected and supporting collaboration across the sector.

Abi is a senior leader within the national museum and heritage sector, with extensive experience working across heritage, cultural and charitable sectors. As Head of Development and Partnerships at RAF Museum, she leads strategic fundraising, partnerships and growth programmes, including the delivery of a £30 million capital development.

Abi brings strong expertise in funding strategy, large‑scale capital fundraising, stakeholder engagement, working within complex visitor environments to strengthen cultural impact, commercial performance and long‑term sustainability. Her work focuses on securing major investment and d partnership development. Abi is passionate about ensuring major museums and attractions play a defining role in destination development — strengthening a vibrant visitor offer while enriching local lives through culture, education and community engagement. She brings national perspective and strategic insight to the Board.

Mark is Project Director for the National Trust’s Ironbridge Gorge portfolio, leading the transition and reopening of the sites. He brings extensive experience in heritage and visitor attraction management, including nearly 20 years at the Attingham Estate. His expertise spans museums, landscapes and large-scale operational leadership within a national organisation.

Mark has worked closely with local authorities on tourism, transport and landscape projects, contributing to strategic delivery across the region. He has a long-term passion and interest in getting people active in outdoors and nature and engaged with their local heritage. He represents national attractions, helping align regional priorities with wider National Trust networks and investment.

Phil is a nationally respected leader in landscape management and sustainable tourism, with over 30 years’ experience working across protected landscapes and rural economies. As Manager of the Shropshire Hills National Landscape Team, he leads strategic planning spanning conservation, access, community engagement and progress towards regenerative tourism. 

Phil brings expert insight into sustainable tourism, natural assets and inclusive access, working at local, national and international level. He is deeply passionate about the Shropshire Hills and its communities, ensuring landscape and environmental priorities are embedded within the wider visitor economy for Telford and Shropshire. 

Glynn is Centre Manager and Director at The Telford Centre, with responsibility for performance, people and place. He brings significant retail and destination management expertise, contributing to national retail leadership groups. His work includes leading the transformation of the town centre into a more experience-led destination through partnership with local authorities and investors. Glynn focuses on innovation and strengthening visitor experiences within retail environments. He represents large retail, supporting its role in attracting visitors and driving economic growth.

Adam Purnell is a restaurant owner and content creator, operating Embers, Baked Bean and Emburgers and building a strong regional profile as ‘Shropshire Lad’. He brings specialist expertise in food, hospitality and outdoor cooking, alongside a significant digital audience. His work includes developing events such as the Embers Fire Festival in partnership with local authorities and industry. Adam is also a Ludlow Food Festival board member, with strong sector connections. He represents food, drink and hospitality, supporting sector visibility, collaboration and growth within the visitor economy.

Mark is Managing Director of Salop Leisure, overseeing multiple businesses employing over 250 people. He brings extensive experience in the accommodation sector, including self-catering, glamping and camping. His work includes supporting industry initiatives such as a national caravan sector campaign and engaging with a range of tourism organisations. Mark has strong networks across industry, local authorities and partners. He represents accommodation providers, ensuring the needs and opportunities of the sector are reflected within the visitor economy.