Sir Ian Dudson recommended for council's highest honour
A prestigious honour could be bestowed upon the former Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire for a lifetime of outstanding contributions to the county’s civic life, business community and voluntary sector.
Sir Ian Dudson KCVO CBE is recommended to receive the honorary Freedom of the Borough – Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s highest award – in admiration and appreciation of the long and steadfast support he has given to the loyal and ancient borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme and beyond.
Sir Ian, who was appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) in the 2025 New Year Honours after concluding a successful 13-year tenure as the monarch’s representative in Staffordshire, has dedicated decades to tireless public service, community engagement and the promotion of Staffordshire’s heritage and values.
In Newcastle-under-Lyme, he has had a strong civic presence over many years, most recently helping to open the Belong care village – including the restored Grade II listed Maxims building which now houses the Belong Heritage Gallery, showcasing the town’s rich cultural history – celebrating the borough’s 850th anniversary and unveiling the Queen Elizabeth II statue in Queens Gardens.
Council Leader Simon Tagg said:
It’s a real pleasure to nominate Sir Ian Dudson for Freedom of the Borough. This honorary title – a symbolic connection with the council and borough – is granted on rare occasions to recognise exceptional service and I can’t think of a more worthy recipient to add to the list of distinguished people who have received it over the years. It’s a fitting tribute to a lifetime of dedication and achievement and would reflect the borough’s appreciation for his contributions to the community.
Sir Ian has been an outstanding servant to our county, with a lifetime of leadership in industry, education and civic life – from his roots in the Dudson ceramics company to his work with charities and voluntary organisations across Staffordshire. We are deeply grateful for his exemplary service.
I was very pleased to welcome Sir Ian and Lady Dudson to Castle House recently where the Borough’s Mayor and I presented them with a replica of the Queen Elizabeth II statue – an appropriate symbol of his commitment to public service and to the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme.”
A direct descendant of Richard Dudson – founder of the historic Dudson ceramics company – Sir Ian helped the family business to become a globally respected manufacturer of ceramic tableware for the hospitality industry, earning him a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2002 for his services to the ceramics sector.
His local connections are strong: he studied Ceramic Technology locally and served as Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council at Keele University from 2005 to 2012. Civic roles have also included High Sheriff of Staffordshire and Deputy Lieutenant. Philanthropic efforts include chairing the Dudson Centre, a resource hub for voluntary organisations in Stoke-on-Trent, and serving as Honorary President of the Douglas Macmillan Hospice.
Following a formal process triggered by Council Leader Simon Tagg, councillors will vote on the recommendation at an extraordinary Full Council meeting on Wednesday, 19 November.
Freedom of the Borough was last awarded to the Royal Stoke University Hospital, and Jim Worgan, in 2021.