New Chair appointed to lead Telford and Shropshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership

Telford and Shropshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) has appointed Mandy Thorn MBE DL as Chair of the Telford and Shropshire Tourism Board marking a significant step in strengthening leadership and ambition across the county’s visitor economy.

The Tourism Board sits at the heart of the VisitEngland-accredited Telford and Shropshire LVEP, a collaboration between Telford & Wrekin Council, Shropshire Council, Visit Telford and Visit Shropshire. The partnership brings together public and private sector leaders behind a shared vision to grow the visitor economy, attract investment, and build long-term resilience across the destination.

Mandy brings nationally recognised expertise, respected independent leadership and a distinguished track record in business growth and cross-sector partnership working. A former Chair of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, former President of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, and former Chair of Lingen Davies Cancer Trust, Mandy is well known for her ability to convene senior leaders, set strategic direction and translate ambition into delivery.

Councillor Angela McClements, Telford & Wrekin Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism, Culture & the Arts, said: “This is a hugely positive appointment for Telford and Shropshire. Mandy is an outstanding leader with national standing and a proven ability to bring organisations and sectors together around a shared goal. Her leadership gives the Telford and Shropshire Tourism Board immediate strength, credibility and momentum.

Councillor Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council Cabinet Member for Transport & Economic Growth added: "It sends a clear message that we are serious about unlocking the full potential of our visitor economy and raising our ambition as a destination. With Mandy as Chair, we are moving forward with confidence and purpose.”

Nicola Said, Regional Development Lead North West and West Midlands for VisitEngland added: “Mandy Thorn is a highly respected and accomplished leader with an exceptional track record in partnership working and place-based growth. Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment and gives real confidence in the direction and pace of progress in Telford and Shropshire. With Mandy at the helm, the partnership is strongly positioned to deliver meaningful and measurable impact.”

Mandy Thorn MBE DL, Chair of the Telford and Shropshire Tourism Board, said: “It is an honour to be appointed Chair at such an important and energising moment for Telford and Shropshire. The strength of partnership behind this Board represents a major opportunity for the visitor economy across the whole destination.

“There is enormous potential here. By bringing together strong leadership, sector insight and shared purpose, we can accelerate growth, strengthen our visitor offer and ensure tourism delivers lasting economic and community benefit. I’m excited to work with partners across the county to turn that ambition into action.”

An open call for applications to join the Telford and Shropshire LVEP Tourism Board will launch in the coming weeks, inviting senior leaders from across the visitor economy to shape the future direction of the destination and ensure that industry insight informs priorities and delivery.