Meet the I Love Alderley Edge Team!

18 Mar 2022

Having been established since the summer in Alderley Edge, we thought it was long overdue that we introduced our entire team to you! Behind the scenes there’s a whole collection of dedicated professionals working hard to bring you all the latest from Alderley Edge. Not to forget the numerous ‘I Love’ dogs, who we simply don’t know what we would do without (Ziggy approves this message). So, without further ado, have a read below and get to know the entire I Love Communities team.

Wendy Green, Founder

Wendy is the bundle of energy and enthusiasm behind the entire I Love brand. Back in 2013, Wendy already headed Girl Friday and Moxie Mingle Networking. It was a natural progression to turn her love for her village, and talent for connecting people, into I Love Bramhall, the go-to website and social media channels for all things Bramhall. I Love Cheadle Hulme soon followed. I Love Alderley Edge more recently arrived, and there’s eight more locations already in the pipeline.

Wendy’s love of local businesses and connecting people shines through in everything she does. She created the ‘I Love’ brand from that, along with a desire to bring the community together; to share and promote fantastic events and activities, as well as give local businesses, groups and clubs the chance, the platform and the support not just to survive, but THRIVE.

Wendy loves, lives and breathes her work, but in (very, very rare) spare time also loves walking – especially with Ziggy, the four-legged love of her life – and spending time with friends.

Wendy and Ziggy

Helen Alcroft, Brand Ambassador – Alderley Edge

As the Brand Ambassoder for Alderley Edge, Helen’s life is closely entwined with our amazing village, having attended school at St Hilary’s School (now part of Alderley Edge School for Girls). She was married to her husband Mark at St Philip’s Church in the village and her children attended Ryleys School and Alderley Edge School for Girls.

Giving back to the community is important to Helen and she also works with the NSPCC East Cheshire Special Events committee. Over the years she has helped raise thousands of pounds for the NSPCC and Childline with local events.

Helen and Tilly

Kate Godfrey, Copywriter and Brand Ambassador – Cheadle Hulme

Before becoming a full-time writer and copywriter, Kate worked in marketing, advertising, and magazines, which means her writing is always on point. Kate packs personality and promo into her prose to ensure our members are in the spotlight. Supporting the brilliant businesses in Alderley Edge, Cheadle Hulme, and Bramhall matter to Kate – even more than spot-on spelling and grammar. So, way back in 2015, Kate jumped at the chance to set up I Love Cheadle Hulme with Wendy and sprinkle the I Love Bramhall magic on the village next door.

With work, kids, dogs (three border collies – and counting) Kate doesn’t get to sit still much. Given a chance, however, she likes horse riding, badminton and football (especially City). She also likes banana milkshake and NZ Sauvignon Blanc – though not together!

Kate

Jo Brown, Client Services Lead

Heading up EVERYTHING admin, customer support and sales related, and her effortless organisation is priceless. Until Covid restrictions put paid to Jo’s fitness business, she Zumba’d most evenings. While it’s sad to see a local business close its doors, it’s worked out incredibly well for I Love, and Jo’s happy too.

Jo is happily married to Shane, who most people will know from Trim’s Barbers, and she’s proud mum to Ellie and Jack. A constant companion, Jo adds another four-legged member to the team with Sonny, the family’s beloved veteran, but young-at-heart Cavapoo.

Jo shares the same enthusiasm for local hostelries and time spent with friends. Other than that, she loves Disney, dogs and dancing. And what more could a girl need?

Jo and Sonny

Paddy Robbins, Content Manager

Paddy brings youthful energy (and technical expertise) to the I Love team. Always happy to help, he knows social media, SEO, and business development inside out. Paddy originally joined the I Love team as a politics student at University College London (UCL) – initially to save money for travelling. Clearly, he loved I Love as much as we all do, so, upon his return, headed back where he belongs, and, he says, “I’ve not looked back since.”

Locally he loves the abundance of bars and pubs, all within walking distance of home. As a recent graduate, you may bump into him in one of the many great charity shops we have in the area, looking for a vintage bargain. As he also loves our local green spaces, he loves spending a day out with friends, family, and dogs – British summertime weather permitting!

Paddy

Laura Hardman, PA to Wendy

Lovely Laura is another born organiser who keeps us all on the straight and narrow. Laura’s early career after graduating was as a Theatrical Agent. Now a talented and creator of THE most sublime cakes and a crafter of beautiful baby clothes, Laura’s proudest project is I Love’s youngest and most recent recruit. Baby Rae joined the team on the very first day of lockdown 2020 and is rightly known as a little Rae of sunshine. It will not come as a surprise to know that Mabel, the diva dog, also lives with Laura, husband Rob and baby Rae.

Laura loves getting out and about with Rae, walking Mabel, and horse riding – when not helping with the I Love team’s admin and organisation or baking those delectable delicacies.

Laura

Hassan Alam, Social Media Assistant

As the newest recruit to the I Love Team, Hassan joined us from the Kickstart Scheme as a Social Media Assistant. Hassan has a background in art and design and a self described obsession with Photoshop.

Deciding that Manchester was the place to be, he studied Games Design and Production at The University of Salford. When he’s not creating concept art for game projects or freelancing as an artist, he’s working alongside Paddy to bring you the regular posts from our I Love Bramhall, I Love Cheadle Hulme, and I Love Alderley Edge socials. To get a break from all that screen time, he loves getting out and about locally and shopping on Alderley Edge high street – but more than likely than not he’ll have sniffed out the nearest coffee shop for a cheeky caramel macchiato!

Hassan

Rachel White, Marketing Consultant

Rachel first met Wendy way back in 2008 at a networking event in Manchester. Fast forward 13 years and Rachel thrilled to be working with the ‘I Love’ team. Having worked in Marketing for 20+ years Rachel brings a wealth of experience to the I Love family. Likewise, she is as committed and passionate for all things local as the rest of us!

Rachel is also a busy Mum of 2 young boys and a baby girl, a wife to her hubby Ste. If she’s not creating a marketing plan for the team or playing supermum, she’s probably being meowed at by her 2 cats, Misty and Tango, as they think having her working from home means constant feeding!

Rachel

Francesca Newton, Copywriter

Copywriter Fran is a whizz with words and a stickler for SPAG. In true I Love tradition, she shares her home (and sofa) with her two little dogs, Lola and Podgy. A flexible writer with a packed and varied portfolio, Fran puts her journalism degree to good use, interviewing clients and telling their stories for ‘I Love’.

As well as getting out and about as a roving reporter, Fran also volunteers for her local community group, Hazel Grove Mutual Aid, and enjoys creating beautiful, sustainable smellies and gifts. You may also be surprised to discover that Fran is also a big fan of edgy styles!

Francesca

So there you have it, a complete overview of our ‘I Love team. It’s been a pleasure to get to know other local businesses, community groups, and residents here in Alderley. We want to bring you the best and brightest of our community.

We’d love to get to know you as well as you now know us… So why not follow us on our socials? Whilst you’re at it, shout about us to friends and family who also LOVE Alderley Edge!