Retail ISP and specialist broadband provider, LilaConnect has announced it has surpassed 15,000 connected customers.

The milestone is another step forward in its vision, and commitment, to providing UK homes and businesses with best-in-class full fibre internet connectivity. This is in line with the UK government’s target to have full-fibre technology available nationwide by 2030.

Unlike other regular broadband connections, or ADSL, that use copper wires to transmit data, all LilaConnect services offer highly competitive internet speeds thanks to the ISP’s full Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) set up. FTTP will also help future-proof homes ahead of the nationwide copper switch off.

Over the past year, the retail ISP has increased new orders by 90 per cent and witnessed a 300 per cent growth in Active Subscribers. LilaConnect prides itself on its customer service –  with a customer-focused culture based on an authentic, collaborative and friendly approach to solve customer issues.

LilaConnect will not rest on its laurels, it has a razor sharp focus on further expanding its territory, made possible by the recent merger of VX UK and the Freedom Fibre Group. It will allow the retail ISP to tap into the alternative network provider’s innovative FTTP network that uses state-of-the-art XGS-PON technology. Alongside this LilaConnect will continue to commercialise its current footprint across Stoke-on-Trent, Bristol, Colchester, Wivenhoe, Crewe, Nantwich, Leek and Uttoxeter.

Jan Lange, Managing Director at LilaConnect commented: “At LilaConnect we understand the important part we play in helping to eliminate the digital divide by ensuring everyone in the community has access to fit for purpose and future proof connectivity. We’re proud to have hit the impressive milestone of our 15,000th customer.

He added: “Our work is certainly not done – the next step is to get even more homes and businesses across the UK connected to this essential full fibre network. Added to this, faster connectivity speeds are on the horizon to align with ever-evolving technological innovation and the exponentially increasing number of connected devices.”

Residents and businesses interested in connecting to the LilaConnect full fibre network can register their interest at www.lilaconnect.co.uk.

VAST, the voluntary sector’s local infrastructure organisation (LIO) for Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire, has been awarded the Local Infrastructure Quality Accreditation (LIQA) by LIO membership body NAVCA.

After submitting an extensive application, and an independent assessment which included interviews with local clients and partners, it was found that VAST had exceeded almost every requirement to receive the award, with assessors commenting that all those interviewed were “very positive about the leadership and representation provided by VAST.”

Within the application, VAST highlighted their numerous support services for local charities, CICs, social enterprises, voluntary organisations, and community groups, as well as demonstrating their work through strong relationships with public and health sector partners such as Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System (ICS).

When looking at the supporting evidence submitted in VAST’s application and the interviews conducted, the independent assessor appointed by NAVCA said that VAST had clearly showed how the charity had “used their role as an independent and trusted organisation to facilitate change.”

“VAST has displayed the ability to challenge the status quo to bring about improvements,” they said in their report. “It has done this in a sustainable way (across the organisation) and has won respect from all sides.”

“VAST is also very mindful of the financial challenges facing many organisations and they have a very strong offering of practical support, advice and training in this area.”

Subsequently, it was thoroughly recommended that the LIQA should be awarded to VAST in recognition of the work associated with the ‘Four Functions of Local Infrastructure.’

Following the successful completion of LIQA, VAST Chief Executive Lisa Healings said: “We are beyond thrilled to have received this award. Not only does it show our commitment to supporting and developing the local voluntary sector, but it also demonstrates the hard work and incredible dedication of all members of staff and volunteers within VAST.”

“VAST has been supporting communities in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire for over 100 years. We are very much looking forward to continuing our work with our members, clients, and partners, and continuing to work towards our mission of developing a thriving VCSE sector to improve the quality of life for local communities.”

To find out more about VAST and it’s work within the local voluntary sector, please click here.

Stoke-on-Trent has been awarded World Craft City status, catapulting the city onto the global stage.

World Craft City status is awarded by the World Crafts Council to areas where there are excellent social, cultural, and economic contributions from communities.

The city – famously known as the Potteries – joins an exclusive list of locations to receive the status across the UK and further afield including Farnham in Surrey; Outer Hebrides in Scotland; Kilkenny, Ireland; Bornholm, Denmark; and La Bisbal d’Empordà, Spain.

City Council Leader Jane Ashworth said: “We are absolutely thrilled at the news that Stoke-on-Trent has received World Craft City status. This is a tremendous achievement, and one that culminates years of hard work by our cultural community.

“This recognition by the World Crafts Council has the potential to open so many doors for our city, not least when it comes to working alongside other cities and towns across the world who also have World Craft City status.

“We are extremely excited by the possibilities and believe that this will have a significant impact when it comes to the social, cultural, and economic prestige of Stoke-on-Trent.

“As the global centre for ceramics production and ceramics works, and particularly for The Potteries, Stoke-on-Trent is suitably placed to continue thriving for many, many years to come.”

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive Rachel Laver said: “It’s fantastic news for the city and really helps to raise the profile of the exceptional businesses and talent we have in the area.

“Despite the pottery industry declining here, creative industries are not only alive and kicking, but thriving.”

Continue reading via Daily Focus.

Stoke-on-Trent’s small business owners are still being given the opportunity to secure a unit at The Potteries Centre for as little as £250* a week.

The initiative follows the city centre based shopping centre’s continuous drive to support local independents and allows smaller businesses the chance to showcase their offerings in a central spot in the city.

There will also be dedicated social media channels for the store so that each business has an additional platform to promote its offers.

Rates:

Week (Monday to Sunday) £250

Weekend (Friday/Saturday/Sunday) – £150

Sat AND Sunday (set up Friday night and close down on Sunday evening) – £90

Single Day rate – £70

The unit, Potteries Pop Up, is set up for immediate trade, with a range of standard facilities including utilities, furnishings, and storage. Here’s some of the local independents the initiative supported so far:

The Retro Shack
Great Outdoors
Eco Boutique
Spoitland
Longton Snooker & Pool
Cheshire Paints
KIHT Collective
Keep it Local
Books for Less
Timeless Photography
Aloud clothing

Those looking to take advantage of the new opportunity are invited to apply to retail property specialists, Barker Proudlove who look after retail space at The Potteries Centre.

The initiative is open to all independent businesses across Staffordshire and Cheshire.

Successful applicants will be able to make use of the unit from anything from one to six weeks at a time. Commenting on the initiative, Amy Whittaker, centre manager for The Potteries Centre, said: “Stoke-on-Trent has a wide range of really fantastic independents, we made a commitment to doing what we can to oƯer them support and showcase the very best the area has to offer.

“The unit presents an exciting opportunity for any local independent to take their business to the next level and we urge all independents from across Staffordshire and Cheshire to get in touch.”

“We’ve had some great local independents in the pop up shop already this year, but we’re
always looking for more”.

To find out more or to apply for use of the unit, you can email Cheryl Butters on
cheryl.butters@potteriescentre.co.uk Jess Swain at jessica@barkerproudlove.co.uk Phil
Coombes at phil@barkerproudlove.co.uk or Kiera McLaughlin at kiera@barkerproudlove.co.uk.

*Prices are subject to change due to seasonal variations and occupier demand.

To find out more about The Potteries Centre, visit www.potteriescentre.co.uk

Responding to today’s King’s Speech, Rachel Laver, CEO of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said:

“The King’s Speech has unveiled an ambitious and comprehensive agenda that will undoubtedly impact businesses and communities across the country. Here in Staffordshire, the proposed measures hold significant promise for our members, offering both opportunities and challenges that we at the Chambers are here to help and support with.

The government’s pledge to “get Britain building” by reforming planning procedures to accelerate housebuilding is a crucial step forward. For Staffordshire, this could mean a surge in construction projects, boosting the local economy and creating jobs. Our construction sector stands to benefit immensely, and this growth will likely ripple through the supply chain. However, we already know that the construction sector is facing recruitment challenges, so we will need to continue to work with training providers and employers to address these shortages and continue to promote apprenticeship opportunities. It will also be essential to ensure that these developments are sustainable and well-integrated into our communities, making the most of the green technology that is available.  We will also continue to lobby government for investment into brownfield sites which continue to blight local communities but which are often in central locations, ideal for housing if the gap funding can be provided to make the sites viable.

The establishment of publicly-owned Great British Energy to invest in renewable energy is a forward-thinking move that aligns with Staffordshire’s growing green economy. Businesses in our region can expect new opportunities in the renewable energy sector, from manufacturing to research and development with us already having some great growing businesses in the space such as GivEnergy and Stone Group. This initiative will also help local companies meet sustainability targets as low carbon technology becomes more readily available , helping to improve operating efficiencies  and  enhancing their reputation and appeal in an increasingly eco-conscious market.

The government’s aim to modernise the asylum and immigration system and establish a new Border Security Command is significant for Staffordshire businesses that rely on a diverse and skilled workforce. A more efficient and secure immigration system can help meet the demand for talent in key sectors such as healthcare, technology, and engineering. We welcome this change as we here frequently hear from businesses about how the visa system is delaying their ability to recruit staff and therefore holding back the development of their businesses. This modernisation is crucial to addressing skill shortages that many businesses currently face.  However, we remain committed to supporting home grown talent and improving graduate retention in the area by showcasing career opportunities and promoting the amazing businesses we have in Staffordshire.”

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce remains committed to supporting our members through these transitions. We have set out our key campaigning initiatives within our manifesto, which you can read here.

On Friday 7 June, Leek Building Society hosted a Charity Golf Day at Westwood Golf Club in Leek. The event was held to raise funds for the Leek Building Society Charitable Foundation, a charity dedicated to making a positive impact to the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people locally.

The award-winning local building society was supported in its aim to raise money for its Foundation by many of their key contacts and suppliers, along with some local businesses and organisations, who all entered teams into the competition.

Over £6,000 was raised and will be used by the Foundation to provide grants to local charities and community groups across Staffordshire, Cheshire, Shropshire and Derbyshire.

Speaking about the event, Rob Longmore, HR Director at Leek Building Society, said:

“We’re overwhelmed by the support and generosity shown by our contacts and local businesses that have helped us to raise such a tremendous amount for our Charitable Foundation. I’d also like to offer our thanks to the team at Westwood Golf Club for the use of their excellent facilities and helping us to host such an enjoyable day.”

Commenting on their involvement in the building society’s Charity Golf Day, Derek Parker at Westwood Golf Club, said, “Westwood Golf Club were honoured to host the Leek Building Society Golf Day where the standard of golf from the varied teams was very high. The team from Leek Building Society made everyone most welcome and the feedback on the course was very positive.”

For more information on the Leek Building Society Charitable Foundation, visit www.leekbs.co.uk/charitable-foundation/.

A light of positivity was spotlighted on Stoke-on-Trent and Hanley recently.

Andi Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts from BBC2 (find on iPlayer) showcased the Portland Inn Project (PIP for short), celebrating the power of community to breathe new creative life into an often overlooked and under valued part of Stoke on Trent. It was a joyous. Why? So many reasons.

The Portland Inn Project CIC (Community Interest Company) is ‘a creative arts project for a community in Stoke on Trent with the aim to achieve community cohesion, economic, social and cultural development by involving the community in the development of a pioneering community space, cultural hub and social enterprise.’

Designed to be an exemplar of people led change in an under represented part of the city of Stoke, it’s already achieved so much. From its first ACE (Arts Council England) funded Summer programme testing future uses of the old Portland Inn pub, PIP has been delivering exceptional community experiences from gardening clubs to their S.M.U.T group (Singles, Mothers and Others Unite Together) ever since. In November 2023, they announced that the renovation of the old pub had finally begun. The much loved ‘Pippin’ has been designed and shaped by the residents of the surrounding streets and already hosts community meetings and the all important gardening club. This inspirational journey has been driven by co directors Anna Francis and Rebecca Davies who lead a team of inspirational humans all dedicated to making a difference in this corner of Stoke on Trent.

It’s no wonder then, that Andi Oliver saw this joy and potential to host one of their episodes at PIP. Andi was on hand to put on a festival for the arts project with a fabulous feast at its centre as they delved into the area’s history and ‘channels its boundless artistic energy’. Andi Oliver also drew in the expertise of local chef Cris Cohen and his team from Feasted who developed a delicious Staffordshire oatcake taco for the party.

In addition to all the exciting achievements above, there’s no denying that seeing Stoke on Trent on the telly in a positive light is a pretty new experience for most of 1 us. Although the episode explores the challenges of the neighbourhood, it is uplifting to see the energy, creativity and hope which we can expect from the episode. As PIP says, ‘we hope you are watching the whole series of delicious food, heartwarming stories & really brilliant people ding great things in their communities…’ What can we take away from a positive story being shared on national television about our city? That it’s possible to make something from very little through community work, positivity and mutual support. We can learn that art and design plays a huge part lifting up the aspiration and hope for people in communities and this can be done on tight budgets & from the ground up. We can also learn that creativity and positivity isn’t dead in Stoke on Trent, a message that is so often lost. What can you do to support PIP or find out more?

• Watch Andi Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts to be inspired and excited. Aired on April 17th at 8pm or on BBC iPlayer.

• Share the episode with all you know to spread the positivity created far and wide.

• Check out Stoke on Trent’s BID socials and website to find more positive stories about what’s happening in Stoke City Centre.

• Head to Airspace in Hanley to purchase one of their ‘Portland Inn Pigeons’. Ceramic pigeons of distinction to raise funds for the Pippin. Alternatively shop online at www.theportlandinnproject.co.uk