Last night I was at the fantastic gala presentation evening for the 2023 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards at Double Tree by Hilton on Festival Park, hosted by Dave Bryon and Kirsty Hulse.

Our Chamber Awards night is a real highlight in Chambers’ event calendar and last night did not disappoint with a remarkable gathering of the region’s top businesses and industry leaders.

The high number of entries for this year’s awards reflects the unwavering entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to excellence within our region. reflecting the thriving business ecosystem in Staffordshire and its enviable reputation as a hub for innovation and success

As always, our hard-working judges faced the toughest of tasks to narrow entries down to three nominees for each of the 15 categories from such high-quality entries.

The evening shone the spotlight on the rising stars, hidden gems, brilliant employers, and the great talent that helps businesses to innovate and grow.

A huge congratulations to all our winners, especially waste management experts, Willshee’s Waste who won ‘Business of the Year Award’. They were chosen from the category award winners ranging from young employee or apprentice of the year right up to the large business of the year.

Each of the winners was presented with an individual award plate made by Duchess China 1888 in Longton. You can see them being made here: (5) Post | Feed | LinkedIn

A big thank you our generous awards sponsors HSBC and all the category sponsors, the judges, the team at the Chambers, the entrants, and the many businesses in Staffordshire for doing what you do by being positive, innovative, and forward thinking.

Congratulations also to Philip Carter of Ornua Foods UK Ltd who won the special Staffordshire Ambassador of the Year Award, presented by This is Staffordshire, shortlisted from the 170+ strong Ambassador Network in recognition of their ongoing passion, commitment, and dedication to promoting Staffordshire both inside the county and beyond our borders.

You can see a full list of winners and find a link to the streaming of the ceremony here: Awards – Staffordshire Chambers

If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222, call the Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

Staffordshire’s leading businesses enjoyed an evening of celebrations on Thursday night at the 2023 Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Business Awards.

Held at the prestigious DoubleTree by Hilton, Festival Park the sold-out event witnessed a remarkable gathering of the region’s top businesses and industry leaders, marking a momentous occasion for the local business community.

Taking home the top gong of Business of the Year was waste management experts, Willshee’s.

Sara Williams OBE, Staffordshire Chambers CEO, said: “This year’s Business Awards proved to be the most fiercely contested to date, with over 300 applications flooding in from enterprises across Staffordshire.

“The unprecedented response highlighted the unwavering entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to excellence within our region. The record-breaking number of applications truly reflects the thriving business ecosystem in Staffordshire and its enviable reputation as a hub for innovation and success.”

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce would like to extend its deepest appreciation to all the sponsors, partners, judges, and attendees whose invaluable support contributed to the resounding success of the 2023 Business Awards.

For more information about Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and its initiatives, please visit StaffordshireChambers.co.uk/awards

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a portion of funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). This allocation aims to bolster local businesses within the city, and it reflects the Chambers’ commitment to supporting economic growth and prosperity in Stoke-on-Trent.

Under the Supporting Local Business priority, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has been granted £347,427 for the Promoting Innovation Pathways (PIP) project. PIP will play a pivotal role in fostering and stimulating innovation across Stoke-on-Trent, providing invaluable assistance to businesses in their pursuit of developing new products, processes, and services.

Furthermore, Staffordshire Chambers has also received £47,335 for the Responsible Business Scheme, a pioneering pilot project designed to enable businesses of all sizes to adopt sustainable business practices. This scheme will create a framework for companies to integrate environmental and social responsibility into their operations, driving positive impact within the local community while ensuring long-term viability.

Sara Williams OBE, Staffordshire Chambers CEO, said: “Funding the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will help us continue in our efforts to support local businesses in Stoke-on-Trent.

“The Promoting Innovation Pathways project and the Responsible Business Scheme will play a crucial role in fostering innovation and sustainability in the region, driving positive impact within the local community while ensuring long-term viability.

“These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to supporting economic growth and prosperity in Stoke-on-Trent, and we look forward to commencing these projects in September 2023.”

The projects are set to commence in September 2023, marking an exciting new phase in the economic development of Stoke-on-Trent. These initiatives, funded by the UKSPF, demonstrate the city’s dedication to creating a prosperous business environment and improving the quality of life for its residents.

Cllr Jane Ashworth, leader of the city council said: “We’re really pleased to have been able to award this funding to support local businesses and projects in Stoke-on-Trent.

“I know that the Cost of Living Crisis is a huge concern for local people and businesses and we are working to ensure that we make the best use of the resources we have available to deliver help, advice and support. The UKSPF funding will fund these three interventions that support local businesses to thrive, innovate and grow.”

To learn more about the recipients of the Communities category, which were announced last week, please visit www.stoke.gov.uk/news. The People and Skills category recipients will be announced in the coming week.

The Better World Festival has revealed its line-up of world music acts, set to run across the city centre at its free, family-friendly festival on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July.

Returning for its third year, the weekend-long festival celebrates a fusion of music, mindfulness and community engagement, all focussed around creating a brighter future for our world. It’s completely free to attend, too!

Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) is behind the returning Better World Festival. BID CEO Richard Buxton said: “I am so pleased to be having The Better World Festival in our City Centre again. Through this event we are able to focus on our environment locally, nationally and internationally. Visitors will be able to listen to inspiring and educational talks, enjoy the best in World Music and enjoy the various workshops for families of all ages.”

The World Music Stage located on Piccadilly, is set to showcase acclaimed artists specialising in global music including Royal Bollywood Music Strings, Kotu Drummers and Los Gitanos Kings, with headline spots secured by award-winning DJ Kavita and World folk rap band Mobius Loop, following their successful 2022 slot. Further to this, previous Better World Festival favourites to return include Jon Walklate, July Julay and Julia Mosley.

Complimenting the musical line-up, Better World Festival will bring together speakers, activists, pioneers, charities, community groups and artisan market vendors with an interest in creating positive change during this weekend event.

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce are lead sponsors for this year’s festival. Sara Williams OBE, Chief Executive said: “I am thrilled to announce our involvement in this year’s Better World Festival.

“Together with our President, Kate Beardmore, we are especially delighted to extend a warm invitation to the dedicated members of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce’s charity community to exhibit at the festival.

“This unique opportunity allows the public of Staffordshire to gain a profound understanding of the invaluable work these charities do and discover ways in which they can contribute and support these vital causes. I hope to see our Members and their families join us for this very special event.”

Other zones at Better World Festival include:

SPEAKERS’ SQUARE & ACOUSTIC MUSIC STAGE – Tontine Square
Take time to listen and reflect at Speaker’s Square with a programme packed full of captivating performances and thought-provoking talks about many of the world’s issues, and how we can fight back collectively for the good of our future.

KIDZONE – Parliament Square
Kidzone is an adventure for all but is a particularly perfect stop for little ones of pre-school and primary school age. With lots of activities and workshops throughout the weekend to inspire the next generation into loving the planet, caring for each other and adopting healthy lifestyles the whole family can enjoy.

HEALTH & MINDFULNESS RETREAT – Fountain Square
The Health & Mindfulness Retreat offers a central hub to the festival, consisting of mindful exercise workshops, inspiring talks, scrumptious food offerings and chillout DJ sets.

CHARITY STREET – Across the City Centre
A major focus for The Better World Festival is giving a helping hand to our community groups and charities, who in turn dedicate themselves to supporting our less-advantaged societies and helping them to thrive. We’re welcoming local and UK-wide organisations to chat and engage with the public about their all-important work.

ARTISAN MARKET – Across the City Centre
Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, working in partnership with the team at Potteries Artisan Market will bring a striking selection of stalls selling all things sustainable, vintage, handmade
and ethically sourced.

The line-up for the Better World Festival World Music Stage can be found at www.stokeontrentcitycentre.co.uk, with further details being released soon.

People are encouraged to follow the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID’s Facebook page (/stokeontrentcitycentrebid) Twitter and Instagram pages (@stokeontrentbid) for the latest updates relating to Better World Festival 2023 and other initiatives

Staffordshire University’s industry pioneers got to show off their final year projects last week at the GradEX23 showcase.

Taking part alongside the annual Degree Show, the event gave students from across the university the opportunity to showcase their projects, research and inventions to more than 200 industry professionals.

Among them was Amin Ruprecht, a lorry driver from Stoke-on-Trent, whose final year project involved the development of a sustainable composite brick using plastic waste in a bid to help tackle environmental pollution.

The Mechanical Engineering student used shredded and chopped plastic with traditional materials of sand, cement and water which were cast in a 3D printed square mould before being compression tested.

Amin, 48, said: “The tests showed it was stronger than standard. I’ve not seen anyone doing this and think it could be of particular use in low and middle income countries where plastic pollutions is an increasing problem.”

For her final year project, Psychology and Child Development student Heather Cassidy researched crystal therapy as an intervention for low level anxiety. Heather, who worked as a holistic therapist before Covid hit, worked with nine people who kept a mood diary and were interviewed about their experiences.

She found that seven out of the nine experienced improved sleep and all participants reported having positive cognitive change as a result of the crystal therapy which involves a deep state of relaxation.

She said: “I am looking for a psychology role where I can continue to grow my skills whilst helping people with their mental health. I’m passionate about research and applying evidence-based research in practice.”

Mo Trundel, Chair of the Design Forum at Staffordshire Chambers, said: “The standard of the Transport and Product design degree show was outstanding this year.

“Judging alongside JCB and Bentley it was a privilege to spend all day speaking to students whose briefs ranged from intelligent heating, to toys and cars all pushing the boundaries of innovation. Designers are the life blood of industry pushing boundaries and certainly feeding our manufacturers with the next generation of sustainable products.”

Engineering Design student Morgan Simmons competes as an elite cyclist alongside his studies and has designed a downhill mountain bike. Influenced by world cup level bikes, he has built a full-sized prototype featuring a steel frame and specialist suspension link using 3D printed parts made out of Onyx and carbon fibre.

Morgan is part of Staffordshire University’s High Performance Academy and will be competing in the Crankworx World Tour in Austria later this month.

The 21-year-old from Telford said: “I’ve wanted to make a bike since the first year because it’s something I’m really passionate about. It has been pretty cool getting to use cutting edge processes and equipment at the uni to enhance design characteristics like the suspension link.”

Carolina Salinas, Head of Student and Employability said: “GradEX 23 has been a wonderful event and we thank our students for demonstrating just how work and world-ready they are. We also thank our industry guests and partners who have come to view the projects, recruit students and to act as judges.

“We’re delighted to say that our portal, which includes links to students’ profiles, porfolios and CVs remains open and accessible throughout the summer, presenting employers with the opportunity to browse the incredible talent we have at Staffordshire University.”

All student projects can viewed via the online GradEX Portal.

Staffordshire University’s ambition is to become the UK’s best modern university. An institution with a strong civic mission, it has committed to being a ‘catalyst for change’ for students and businesses, positively impacting wider society and the regional economy.

Staffordshire University was named a Top 5 university in the UK and ranked Top 10 for job prospects in the StudentCrowd University Awards 2022 – based entirely on student reviews. It also ranked Top 10 for Social Inclusion in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.

The 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) classed 68% of the University’s research as world leading or internationally excellent and 87% of its ‘research impact’ was judged to be outstanding or very outstanding.

Substantial investment in innovative technologies and teaching environments ensure next generation courses and education are delivered across all three campuses in Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and London.

Student progression to good careers and jobs and higher education was showcased in style at Stoke on Trent College’s annual student awards event, Celebrating Success.

From a budding games designer, a committed healthcare professional, a culinary expert and those seeking to further develop their Maths and English skills, the experience and impact of studying at the College was very much on show.

Award-winning students and their families along with College staff, partners, employers and civic dignitaries, including the Deputy Lord Mayor, Deputy Lieutenant, local and national sponsors, enjoyed a night of celebration hosted within the College’s impressive Lifestyle Building at Cauldon Campus.

The event commenced with a drink’s reception and entertainment in the form of a string quartet kindly provided by the acclaimed British Police Symphony Orchestra. Level 2 & 3 Catering and Hospitality students prepared and served a Gala Dinner to 120 guests for which they received high praise. This ‘hands-on’ experience is one of many industry-related opportunities the College offers to students.

The event was co-hosted by Level 3 sports student Leah Rigby and Assistant Principal for Student Experience, Dave Hopley, who said: “The students who won awards tonight have shone throughout their journey with us.  They have all grown in confidence as well as developing their industry and academic skills.  We actively encourage all of our students to participate in enrichment and extracurricular activities which contribute to a key-skills that sets them apart and enable them to stand out to employers and universities alike. .”

The highly-prized Student of The Year Award went to Construction student, Lewis Hindmarsh.  Lewis was recognised for his outstanding achievement, embracing opportunities and building relationships with organisations including the national aspirational construction academy ‘Regeneration Brainery’. The award also recognised Lewis’s ability to overcome personal challenges during his time at the College.

Staffordshire Chambers was one of the proud sponsors of the awards evening, which also included:

Sponsors of the awards included: Alton Towers Resort, Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, Staffordshire University, Steelite International, North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, Carson Powell Construction Ltd, Learning Curve Group, Freshview Foods Ltd, Perrys of Eccleshall.

The Chambers’ Council held its quarterly meeting on Wednesday of this week at Commerce House.

The Council is made up of 36 elected members plus Forum chairs, presidents of Stafford and Staffordshire Moorlands local area advisory boards (long title!), Finest and Future Finest chairs, and honorary members – its quite an august body with an important role to play.

It serves to develop and ratify the Chambers’ policy and lobbying role, to help the Board and the Chambers’ executives to keep in touch with business issues and what the membership is talking about. It is used as a sounding board for policy matters and to receive reports of the discussions in the forums where businesses get a chance to talk about the issues they want the Chambers to represent to decision makers to ensure that they too are representing the business community.

We usually have a guest presenter at Council, someone who has something to say on hot issues that affect us all and this morning was no exception. We had a presentation from Damien Holdstock and Richard Hickman from St Modwen Logistics, talking about their current logistics and warehousing schemes including Stoke Central (Etruria Valley), Uttoxeter and specifically the plans for development at Junction 16 on the M6.

It sparked a debate on the paucity of decent mid-sized office accommodation, especially in the 20,000 – 100,000 square foot range. This is not only holding back expansion in businesses based here but is as a barrier to inward investment. Something which our Transport and Planning & Infrastructure Forums have been making representations about for a long time.

The Council also elects the 13 representatives who make up the Chambers’ Board of Directors. Their role is to set strategy for the Chambers as a business and to ensure that we are a well-run business which delivers services that are needed and supports the business community. And to join the board, members must have served on the forums or on the council for a year beforehand.

Nominations for council will open in September for election in November so now is a good time to ask you to consider nomination for you are anyone in your business who you think could benefit the Chamber and the wider economy. It is also great for personal development and provides you with a readymade network of senior business contacts.

We are getting some real momentum in our lobbying and representation work and making sure Staffordshire’s business voice is heard at the highest level and we have the ear of all our local MPs. And we all want to make sure that we are representing your views – so come and join in our campaign, through our forums and the council.

We will be sending out notice of council election in due course but please feel free to get in touch in the meantime to find out more. We can even put you in touch with a current council member for a discussion on how it benefits them and their business.

Email us on info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk titling your email ‘Chambers Council’.

You can also watch this short video on being a Council member: https://bit.ly/46tdNp6

We are really proud of the fact that our complicated but efficient governance structure means that we are truly accountable to our members – and we want more of our members to get involved – I look forward to seeing your name on the ballot paper!