Basingstoke's Ambassadors

At Destination Basingstoke we believe that this is a great place to live, work, visit and do business but we don't expect you to take our word for it, see what our Ambassadors say about Basingstoke.

The Basingstoke Ambassadors are a group of high profile individuals who are well known in their own field - whether it be business, sport, academia or healthcare, and they are all proud to be associated with Basingstoke.

Meet some of our Ambassadors..



Jessica Mann Shire plc	Rafi Razzak Centerprise plc	Maria Miller MP for Basingstoke

Thom Thorp Eli Lilly	Robert Tobin Olympic Athlete	Paul Riddell AXA Wealth

Dr Steve Tristram BMI Hampshire Clinic	Dr Andrew Bishop Cardiologist	Liz Jackson Great Guns Marketing

Read about some of our key businesses and employers and why Basingstoke makes sense for them.

Jessica Mann

VP for Global Communications, Shire plc

"Shire is one of the few FTSE100 companies to have a major site in Basingstoke employing around 400 people, and it is important that we play our part in the community that we have chosen to make our UK base. Basingstoke is a thriving and growing town with much to offer employers and employees. Many of our people have to travel frequently as part of their roles in leading global teams so easy access to the airports and to London is a great advantage. At the same time, the environment is an ideal place for families to enjoy a combination of town and country life.

I've lived in the Basingstoke area for almost twenty years and have experience of commuting to London for my work, as well as working locally. My family has grown up in the area and the benefits of great schools, a wide choice of leisure activities and excellent transport links has enabled them to develop their interests, focus on progressing towards their careers and get the best out of life.

I strongly believe that the challenge for all of us in Basingstoke is to facilitate future growth and prosperity without encroaching on or ruining the surrounding rural environment and thereby damaging the appeal that attracts us and so many people to Hampshire in the first place."

Dr Andrew Bishop

Consultant Cardiologist at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital

"I am proud to be an Ambassador for Basingstoke because this small town has big ambitions and determination to make life better for everyone who lives here.

I came to Basingstoke in 1999 from London. I came to be a Consultant heart specialist here because the hospital recognised that heart disease was a big local problem and was committed to investing in solving this. Over ten years we have been able to develop high quality services for people with heart disease. This has been possible with commitment from the health community and charitable funding from the local area; most importantly, the local community has provided a multi-disciplinary team of clever and dedicated people who have shared a vision and worked hard to deliver it. This is house style at the hospital and everyone in the community benefits.

Young doctors queue up to become consultants in Basingstoke - a centre of excellenecein an exciting place"

Rafi Razzak

Rafi Razzak Chairman of Centerprise Chairman, Centerprise International

“The beauty of Basingstoke is that it is a young town with a progressive council and a dynamic, diverse business community. I am confident that the town will respond well to the challenges of the current difficult economic climate."

Maria Miller

Member of Parliament for Basingstoke

"Basingstoke is one of the top ten centres of employment in the south east. We are at the heart of business life in Britain and Destination Basingstoke has a crucial role to play in building our success in the future"

Dr Steve Tristram

Consultant at Hampshire Clinic

Chairman of Basingstoke Rugby Club

"I was appointed in Basingstoke September 1971 and intended to stay for 2 years. I have enjoyed all the facilities, access to efficient transport and excellent colleagues and friends. I am proud to support and represent Basingstoke and it's community, as a very pleasant area to live."

Robert Tobin

Basingstoke Ambassador - Rob Tobin Olympic sprinter

I am proud to be a Basingstoke Ambassador because there are great opportunities for success in many areas of people’s lives in such a go ahead town.

I am an international athlete (world silver medallist), after graduating from university I have been to two Olympic Games and have travelled the world with my sport. I moved to the area when I was 6 years old and lived here ever since. I started playing sport at my primary school. I joined the local athletics club and they helped me develop my skills to become an international athlete and still represent the club at the national championships and other meetings.

Craig Killick

Truly Scrumptious Beauty and Click71

"It's all about perceptions and a lot about the perception of Basingstoke is outdated. Its important to communicate the positives and the reality"

Jerome Munro Lafon

Managing Director Scott Wilson

"Basingstoke & Balance. Basingstoke is great for business and great for staff and their families."

Mark Jones

Editor, Basingstoke Gazette

"I'm proud to be an Ambassador for Basingstoke - it's a place to be proud of, full of people to be proud of"

3Run

Professional performance team specialising in the Parkour, Free Running, Martial Arts & Urban Acrobatics.

“3RUN has experienced global growth through explosive live performances, award winning commercials and lead movie roles. Proud to be established within Basingstoke, the 3RUN performance team have received fantastic support from great facilities and links in and around Basingstoke.

The team are continuing to experience organic growth through increased demand within films such as Harry Potter, as well as their live show performances and individual skill set services.” Sam Parham on behalf of 3Run.

Liz Jackson

LIz Jackson Secret Millionaire Managing Director of Great Guns Marketing

Amazingstoke is a fantastic place to live and work. It has a town centre which has all the facilities you could possibly need, and yet within only a mile or so of the town centre you’re in the heart of the beautiful Hampshire countryside. The town is also well positioned with both the M3 and the M4 on its doorstep and great rail and air links.

I grew up in Basingstoke and started my business here 11 years ago, which has gone on to become the UK’s leading business to business telemarketing company. The town has always been able to supply fantastically talented people to enable us to achieve great client service. Also the local business community is vibrant and supportive. I would highly recommend Basingstoke as a town of choice and a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Thom Thorpe

Thomas Thorpe Head, UK External Affairs, Lilly UK

"I am enormously proud to be a Basingstoke Ambassador. Basingstoke is a vibrant and growing town which has found the balance between business and family needs"

Basingstoke is a great place for Business to locate. There are excellent transport links, a strong skills base, and supportive local infrastructure. For families, Basingstoke has good schools, excellent health care facilities including a Foundation Trust status Hospital and all of this is on the doorstep of the New Forest and the South Coast.

"For all these reasons and many more Basingstoke is the place to be!"

All our

Board members

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