SAvvy Business Management
Press & Media
Welcome to the SAvvy Business Management Press & Media page. This space is where we share our latest podcast links, media appearances, and press features.
Whether you're looking to tune in to Beyond the Noticeboard or catch up on where we've been featured, this page is where you'll find it all.
Podcast - Beyond The Noticeboard
Beyond the Noticeboard is a down-to-earth podcast that looks at what really goes on behind community groups, local charities, and parish councils.
Hosted by Stephanie Akerman, a parish councillor, trustee, and founder of SAvvy Business Management, each episode shares honest conversations about the challenges, wins, and everyday work happening behind the noticeboard.
Whether you're part of a local group or simply curious about how community spaces run, this podcast shines a light on the people, decisions, and stories that don’t always make it onto the noticeboard.
Press Coverage & Releases
From local flooding concerns to protecting vital community spaces, Stephanie’s work has been featured in the media as she continues to speak up on behalf of parish and community interests.
As Chair of Checkley Parish Council and an active voice in local decision-making, she regularly contributes to conversations that affect real people, places, and community priorities.
Hundreds Join Campaign to Stop Parking Charges
Stoke-On-Trent News – 22 February 2025
Checkley Parish Council launched a petition against Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s proposal to introduce parking charges at ten currently free car parks, including Old Road in Tean. The move sparked concern among residents and local groups, with hundreds signing the petition to oppose the plans.
Council Chair Stephanie Akerman was quoted:
“It’s a village car park. We’ve got a lot of terraced housing, schools without their own parking, and a doctors’ surgery with limited spaces. The whole village relies on this car park to function. If charges were introduced, residents would park elsewhere, causing more traffic issues and safety concerns.”
The parish is now exploring a community asset transfer to retain local control and keep parking free.
Car Park Charging Plan Pauses for Consultation
BBC News, West Midlands – 14 February 2025
Plans to introduce parking charges across several free car parks in the Staffordshire Moorlands have been paused following public concern. A three-month consultation is now underway.
Stephanie Akerman, Chair of Checkley Parish Council, was featured in the article, highlighting the strain on local roads in Tean and sharing the parish’s request for a community asset transfer to retain free access to Old Road car park.
Her comments reflect a strong commitment to protecting community infrastructure and ensuring local voices are part of the solution.
Play Park Closed Over Flooding and Contamination Concerns
BBC News, West Midlands & BBC Radio Stoke – 25 November 2024
After heavy rainfall caused the River Tean to burst its banks, the children’s play area at Jubilee Park in Checkley was closed due to concerns about water contamination. The combined sewer system in the area led to fears that floodwater may have contained sewage, raising questions around infrastructure and safety.
Stephanie Akerman, Chair of Checkley Parish Council, was quoted in the article, emphasising the lack of external support and the additional responsibilities falling on the parish council.
Jubilee Park Sign, Designed by the Community
M&M Signs and Graphics – June 2022
As part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, Checkley Parish Council renamed the village play area and green space to Jubilee Park – and wanted to mark the occasion with something special.
The brand-new Jubilee Park sign was designed by Stephanie Akerman, who brought together artwork from local schools, nurseries, youth clubs, and community groups. Each created a unique piece of art, which Stephanie combined into one collaborative design that reflects the heart of the community.
Local business M&M Signs and Graphics kindly printed the final sign for free, helping to turn this community project into a lasting feature at the entrance of Jubilee Park.
Great Wood School’s Eco Council Joins Local Tree Planting Campaign
Great Wood Community Primary School – February 2020
Pupils from Great Wood Community Primary School’s Eco Council took part in a community tree planting initiative at Well Meadow Gardens, next to the village car park and river in Upper Tean.
The children helped plant crab apple and hazelnut trees as part of a tree planting campaign aimed at sustaining local woodlands and improving the environment.
The activity was organised in collaboration with Councillor Stephanie Akerman, who invited the school to get involved in the hands-on environmental effort.
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