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.