Team
Meet the writers and journalists bringing good news to you. Find out what makes us tick and get the lowdown on our favourite hangouts. The Knot is powered by real people living in our region reporting the news and writing about what matters to you.
James Routledge - Founder
Hi, I’m James and I was born in Meir Heath, have family across Stoke-on-Trent and a family tree in North Staffordshire for 200 years. I went to school in the Staffordshire Moorlands and my other half’s family are based in Newcastle-under-Lyme. I’ve enjoyed many a night out ‘up Hanley and 'Castle in my late teens/early 20s and now live in Stone and have close friends in Lichfield and am a big fan of Cannock Chase.
I’ve travelled around and lived in London for 10 years. I found myself back here and made it my mission to tell a new story about this place. Before The Knot, I founded mental health business, Sanctus, and wrote a book with Penguin on mental health at Work. I also created an MSc Entrepreneurship with University of Staffordshire. My fave spots are BEAR, Little Dumpling King and Whitmore Lakes and I love a challenge.
Get in touch about: big stories, partnerships, sponsorship, feedback on The Knot.
Email: james@theknot.group
Helen Dalley - Editor
Hi! I’m Helen, I was born in Stoke-on-Trent on the same day as Robbie Williams and often find myself explaining where I live (the little village of Fulford near Meir Heath) to other Stokie residents. I began my journalism career on Guitarist and Total Guitar magazines and am still totally obsessed with music, especially the loud guitar kind.
I lived in Hong Kong for 12 years and swapped the concrete canyons, 7-11s and on-tap taxis for sleepy village life once my two kids were born. I write the Good News, What's On and Unsung Heroes columns for The Knot. When not writing, I love running (very slowly) down country lanes looking for rabbits, going to gigs, decaf coffees at BEAR and getting muddy at the Shugborough Estate.
Get in touch about: stories, events, press releases, press passes, good news, features, inspiring people.
Email: dalley.helen22@gmail.com
Hannah Hiles - Writer
Hello, I’m Hannah, a freelance journalist and writer with a strong interest in heritage, regeneration, arts and culture. I live in my hometown of Newcastle-under-Lyme and love it here. I’ve previously been a senior journalist at The Sentinel and Stoke-on-Trent Live (with stints in the 2000s and the 2020s) and the Birmingham Mail.
I believe deeply in the power of local journalism to shine a light into dark places and to celebrate all the things that are great about our city. Away from work I have two sons and a dog, and can usually be found reading a book or watching Port Vale FC (but don't hold that against me!).
Get in touch about: things of interest that you know about but we might not
Email: hannah.hiles@gmail.com
Jason Ritchie - Music Writer
Hi, I am Jason, born & raised in Newcastle-under-Lyme and have been living in exile since the early 1990's, although still passionate about all things Stoke & Staffordshire, including my lifelong support of Stoke City.
Love music, with rock, metal & folk my main musical listens. Have been to many a fine gig at the Viccy Hall and nothing beats discovering new music, be it an established artist or a new one.
Delighted to be contributing to the Knot as there is so much good news and events going on in & around Stoke.