Staffordshire Ambassador of the Year 2024

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Business Awards took place on 4 July 2024, celebrating the best of the county’s businesses. As part of the ceremony the Staffordshire Ambassador of the Year 2024 was announced – recognising Karen Jennings, Events & Operations Manager at Lichfield Cathedral, and her role in promoting the county.

The award recognises businesses or individuals who have gone above and beyond to promote Staffordshire – taking part in events and working hard to promote the county. Karen Jennings was one of the five finalists shortlisted for this award, having been 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 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.

Karen was presented with her award by last year’s winner, Phil Carter of Ornua Foods, 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!”

Simon Warburton, Executive Director at Lichfield Cathedral said: “On behalf of everyone at the Cathedral, we are so proud of Karen’s achievement. This is awarded for her personal drive to make Lichfield Cathedral a venue performers want to play in, and audiences want to visit.”