Meet the board

Tony Davison, chair of Crewe Town Board

We are strategically well placed to attract more jobs and investment, which will boost the local economy.

I volunteered to take on the role of the Town Board chair because I believe it is vitally important to ensure the town sees continued investment in all aspects of its future, whether it be cultural, skills or in the physical infrastructure of the town.

Kate Blakemore

Kate Blakemore is the CEO and founder of Motherwell Cheshire, a charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of women and girls.

With a background in counselling, Kate has more than a decade of experience addressing gaps in mental health services, particularly for women who have experienced trauma, abuse, or complex mental health challenges. Under her leadership, Motherwell Cheshire has become a vital resource, providing community-based initiatives that empower women and girls locally.

Kate is deeply passionate about her local community in Crewe, where she was born and has lived for most of her life. She is committed to strengthening local ties and improving the wellbeing of families in the area. As part of this commitment, Kate sits on the Crewe Town Board, advocating for community development and supporting initiatives that benefit local residents.

In addition to her role at Motherwell Cheshire, Kate chairs two charitable organisations: her local scout group and the A Statue for Ada Campaign, which honours the legacy of Ada Nield Chew, a pioneering campaigner for women’s rights.

As the author of “Mum’s the Word: The Mothering Journey”, Kate is also a recognised speaker and thought leader in women’s health, mental wellbeing, and community-based support. She is passionate about creating inclusive environments for women at all stages of life and fostering collaboration within the charity sector to drive meaningful change.

A mother of three, Kate combines her professional expertise with personal experience, making her a dedicated advocate for women and families in her community.

Graham McKnight – Theatre Director, Crewe Lyceum

Graham came to the Lyceum Theatre from a 20-year career in the theatre industry that includes project, production and building management in a variety of areas around the world.  

Originally from Warrington, his appointment in Crewe sees him return to his home county to engage with the local community and make the theatre more accessible to all, continuing the Lyceum’s legacy as one of the region’s most important cultural assets.  

Graham chairs Crewe’s Cultural strategy forum and sits on the Chamber of Commerce for South Cheshire as well as working with a number of cultural partners across the region and beyond to develop the cultural offering available to Crewe’s audiences. He is passionate about the local area and looks forward to seeing a number of projects progress in the coming months.  

John Adlen, Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership

I am the Growth Director at Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership responsible for driving economic growth, investment and innovation across the sub-region, including leading on the strategic development of the Cheshire Science Corridor and £200m Enterprise Zone. I have 25 years’ experience in urban planning, strategic land and property, regeneration and economic development and joined the LEP in 2017 from Staffordshire University where I was commercial director responsible for leading the University’s engagement with business and industry and economic development programmes and projects. I was previously a Director of two of the top global property advisory firms DTZ (now Cushman & Wakefield) and Savills. 

Andy Butler, Legat Owen

I am a Chartered Surveyor and Director at Legat Owen commercial property consultants. I have been  based in Nantwich for the past 30 years and have particular experience in the south and mid Cheshire commercial property sector. I  live in south Cheshire and  am father to three wonderful  daughters.

Paul Colman, South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce

I am the Chief Executive of South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry. I have 20 plus years of experience representing the local business community, providing businesses with up to date information and helping to facilitate local networking and knowledge sharing activity.  I represent the South Cheshire Business Community on many boards and committees including Crewe Town Council, Cheshire East Council and Cheshire & Warrington LEP plus engaging in the national British Chambers of Commerce accredited network.  I am proud to be a member of the Town board and believe that Crewe has a tremendous opportunity to transform itself by building upon a strong and diverse economy plus the arrival of High speed rail.

Jasbir Dhesi OBE, Cheshire College South & West

Known as Dhesi, I am the Principal and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cheshire College – South & West and have over 24 years’ experience in senior leadership roles across 3 colleges. I am a qualified teacher and have previously been the Principal/CEO of South Cheshire College and Yale College.

Guy Kilminster, Cheshire East Council

I am the corporate manager of health improvement in Cheshire East Council’s public health team and have worked at the council since 2009

Councillor Nick Mannion, Leader of Cheshire East Council

I spent 30 years working in housing and regeneration, at a regional and national level, before moving to teach in the further education sector. I was elected as a Labour councillor for Macclesfield West and Ivy ward in 2015.

I am Leader of Cheshire East Council and the chair of the council’s corporate policy committee.

I also sit on various boards in my councillor role and am Cheshire East Council’s  representative on outside bodies including the Cheshire Fire Authority, Macclesfield College of Further Education and the Manchester Airport Consultative Committee.

Outside politics, I have three grown-up children, have played more than 500 times for Macclesfield Rugby Club and am a lifelong supporter of Macclesfield Town FC, now Macclesfield FC.

Councillor Jill Rhodes, Leader of Crewe Town Council

I am the Leader of Crewe Town Council and member of Crewe Town Board and would like to share my perspective on what the Towns Fund could bring Crewe.

Simon Yates, Community Representative

For the last 30 years I have either worked or lived in Crewe and had become increasingly concerned at the lack of a voice for the people of Crewe and the interests of Crewe as a Town which has strong points but also significant problems.
I am married to Diane, a former Mayor of Crewe and have 3 adult daughters, one of whom works in Crewe, one in the West Midlands and one in Australia.
I am currently the President of my Rotary Club and am also the Assistant Governor for 10 Rotary Clubs in Cheshire.

Sally Hepton, Bentley Motors

I have been the Director of Government Relations and CSR for Bentley since 2013.  I am a member of the Board of the Northern Automotive Alliance and Regional Board and  Chair of members for the University Technical College in Crewe, which I took a leading role in establishing. Before i moved to Bentley, I held a number of UK & international roles for Shell and prior to that worked in corporate and government affairs for Toyota. I have been recognised 3 times as one of the top 100 Women in the British Automotive industry, by Auto Car, most recently in 2020.

Rick Carter

I have spent most of my working life in the area and passionately believe in the vibrant community that Crewe aspires to be.