Outstanding individuals and organisations receive Honorary Freedom of City

stoke on trent city council logo Published: Thursday, 5th June 2025

Ten outstanding individuals and organisations have received one of Stoke-on-Trent’s highest civic honours in recognition of their exceptional service to the city.

The Honorary Freeman of the City titles were awarded as the city council held a special Civic Council meeting to mark 100 years since Stoke-on-Trent was granted city status.

The award is a prestigious honour, often considered the highest civic accolade, is presented only to those who have made an extraordinary impact.

They celebrate the contributions made by going above and beyond to support local communities, represent the city on a national or international stage, or deliver lasting positive change.

Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Steve Watkins, said: “It is an absolute privilege to bestow the Freedom of the City on these individuals and organisations whose efforts have made a real and lasting difference.

“Each one of them represents the very best of Stoke-on-Trent – in spirit, dedication and achievement. As we mark our Centenary year, this honour is a fitting way to celebrate those who have helped shape our story.”

The recipients – leading business people Denise and Peter Coates, Mo Iqbal and John Goodwin, along with The Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire Sir Ian Dudson, local historian Fred Hughes, music promoter Mike Lloyd, Port Vale Football Club and club chair Carol Shanahan and former Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley – reflect the strength and resilience of Stoke-on-Trent.

Carol Shanahan OBE, businesswoman and chair of Port Vale Football Club, said: "I’m genuinely touched and a little bit overwhelmed to be receiving this honour, both for myself and on behalf of everyone at the football club.

"Stoke-on-Trent means the world to me; it's a city full of heart, potential and - most importantly - remarkable people. It’s where I’ve built my life and found a community that I care deeply about.

"Everything we do at Port Vale is rooted in our commitment to this community; I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together so far and even more excited for what’s still to come."

Joan Walley, former Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent North, said: “It’s a great honour for me to be awarded this special status in the city’s centenary year. Thank you! This is a city like no other where people genuinely care about each other.  When we all work together we can achieve so much.  I’m looking forward to helping, where I can, to shape the next 100 years.”

The Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Sir Ian Dudson, said: “I am delighted and extremely honoured to be conferred with the Honorary Freedom of the City of Stoke-on-Trent. It is extra special that this comes on the Centenary of this City, which has been both my home and place of work for my whole life.

I am very grateful and proud to be recognised by the city in this way.”

For more on the Centenary and what’s happening across the city, visit sot100.org.uk.

The full list of Honorary Freemen is:

 

Name

Citation

DENISE COATES CBE

 

For exceptional entrepreneurism demonstrated through an outstanding contribution, made in close partnership with her brother John Coates, to local employment and economic growth and for an extraordinary dedication to philanthropy which will leave a lasting legacy in Stoke-on-Trent.

PETER COATES

 

For outstanding contributions to the city through the exceptional leadership of Stoke City Football Club, as the former Chairman with a clear commitment to contributing to the social fabric of the city, creating a lasting legacy to be continued by his son, John Coates, and through a dedication to philanthropy and giving back to the community with the establishment of the Peter Coates Foundation.

SIR IAN DUDSON KCVO CBE

 

For an exceptional contribution to the city’s ceramics industry, an outstanding commitment to positive civic leadership and a deep sense of responsibility to the wellbeing of the city through notable charitable work.

JOHN GOODWIN

For exceptional leadership as the former long-serving Chairman of Goodwin PLC, whose remarkable achievements built alongside, and with the steadfast support, of his brother Richard, helped to position the company in the global market whilst preserving its historical legacy and reinforcing Stoke-on-Trent’s reputation as a hub for engineering excellence.

FRED HUGHES

 

For an outstanding contribution to preserving and promoting the rich history of Stoke-on-Trent through championing the city’s cultural heritage and inspiring pride that will safeguard the city’s unique identity for future generations.

MO IQBAL

 

For exceptional entrepreneurism as the founder of Tile Mountain, demonstrating outstanding pride in the city through investment driven by a deep sense of responsibility to give back and support his local community.

MIKE LLOYD OBE

 

For an exceptional commitment to enriching the cultural and musical landscape of Stoke-on-Trent, enriching the city’s cultural fabric and helping to shape its musical identity.

PORT VALE FOOTBALL CLUB

 

For an outstanding contribution to the city’s rich footballing history in the club’s 150th year and an unwavering commitment to community engagement which embodies the spirit and values of the City of Stoke-on-Trent.

CAROL SHANAHAN OBE

 

For exceptional philanthropy and leadership demonstrated through an unwavering commitment to the local community and improving the lives of the city’s residents.

JOAN WALLEY

For exceptional services to the City of Stoke-on-Trent as a long-serving Member of Parliament, working with integrity and persistence to champion residents’ needs, secure vital investment, protect local services, create opportunities and inspire positive change.