Stephen Butt

I was born in Somerset, and in my teenage years worked for a seaside photography studio, later writing history articles for local newspapers, before going to university. I have been writing ever since I left school, mainly for local newspapers and magazines.

My first book was Central Leicester in old images which was published by Tempus Publishing in 2005. In 2007, publisher Alan Sutton invited me to compile Leicester Through Time for his new Amberley Publishing imprint. Several other titles for Amberley followed.

A commission from Pen & Sword Books led to the publication of British Retail which was published in hardback in 2018. This tells the story of the men and women behind many familiar High Street brands. I now have twenty-seven books in print including some reprints. All are available from local bookshops, national chains and the usual online suppliers.

My career background is in broadcast journalism and local council administration. My academic qualifications include a BA in Psychology from Durham University and an MA in Regional and Local History from Nottingham University. I hold the Certificate in Local Council Administration from the Society of Local Council Clerks.

I was formerly a member of a BBC local radio management team and a Senior Broadcast Journalist. In 2009-2011, I was part of the production team for the BBC series The Story of England and Great British Story written and presented by historian Professor Michael Wood.

I have provided the research, text and images for fifty heritage interpretation panels for Leicester City Council.

I am now a freelance consultant to local councils and an Affiliate Member of the Society for Local Council Clerks. I work with community-level councils, parish meetings, charitable trusts, community-managed libraries and neighbourhood planning groups. I have also worked as a freelance consultant for the Leicestershire and Rutland Association of Local Councils. I also advise on using social media to engage with communities, protecting and developing local heritage assets and operating community-managed libraries.