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

Connects Network, a community-driven initiative led by local business owners, is celebrating ten years of fostering lasting connections within Staffordshire.

With a focus on highlighting the many positive aspects of our community, Connects Network is helping to reshape the narrative of business in the local area. 

On April 4, Connects Network unveiled its second monthly meeting, supported in part by the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District. Held at The Regent Theatre in Hanley, this exciting event offers businesses and organizations an additional opportunity to network, access resources, and discover untapped possibilities.
Predominantly based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, a second monthly Connects Network meeting in Stoke will act as a bridge between the centre, fostering a robust support network for local businesses.

To highlight these positive aspects, each month, Connects Network meetings feature guest speakers with ‘good news’ stories and/or important information for attendees.

Over the past decade, Connects has hosted over 100 speakers and toured nearly 20 venues since the end of the 2021 lockdown.

Pete Herbert co-founder said: “It’s been an amazing experience running this meeting with a brilliant team of local business leaders, seeing connections made, supporting each other in their business ventures.

“The guest speaker section is a favourite with most, highlighting positive initiatives in our community.”

Great news announced this week that leading OZEV-registered EV installers, EVC solutions have joined forces with fleet management specialists Adept Vehicle Management to help businesses make the transition to an EV vehicle fleet.

This collaboration is set to transform the landscape for businesses making the crucial transition to electric vehicles and marks a significant step towards sustainable business practices in Staffordshire and beyond.

Staffordshire Chambers helped to facilitate a meeting between Nigel Ryan and Adrian Cooper from EVC with Francis Jones from Adept back in the autumn of last year.

Facilitating meaningful connections and propelling innovative partnerships is at the core of Staffordshire Chambers’ mission.

It’s great to see that the partnership has gathered real momentum – it demonstrates the power of the Chamber network in action.

This partnership is not only significant for Staffordshire but also extends its impact beyond, contributing to a broader movement towards sustainable business practices. It not only supports the adaptation of electric vehicles but also underlines the commitment to creating a sustainable and environmentally conscious business ecosystem.

We look forward to witnessing the tangible impact it will have on businesses embracing electric vehicles in Staffordshire and the surrounding areas.

Staffordshire University is championing a groundbreaking initiative exclusively tailored to support local businesses in Newcastle-Under-Lyme.

The project includes a trained Staffordshire University student or graduate (Innovation Consultant) who will work with your business for the duration of the programme. The Innovation Consultant will have support from the University’s expert academics to help deliver activities, such as:

• Innovation advice
• Market research
• Idea scoping
• Evaluating options and designing a product or a service
• Feasibility studies of adopting new technologies
• Embedding new technologies or processes in business
• Developing new products or services

Each bespoke partnership will receive:

• One Staffordshire University student or graduate (working as an Innovation Consultant) for 24 weeks to support the delivery of the project.
• An Innovation Advisor with knowledge of the advanced technology your business is looking to adopt.
• A relevant academic expert supervising the innovation consultant and supporting the partnership.
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment based in the Innovation Enterprise Zone. University technicians will supervise the use of specialist equipment.
• A simple application process.

Areas this project can focus on:

• 3D printing (metal, ceramics, and plastics)
• Artificial Intelligence
• Sensor technologies
• Transport logistics and mobility
• Gas analysers
• Pollution
• Internet of Things
• Metaverse: virtual and augmented reality
• Big Data
• 5G demonstrator

Elevate your business with the targeted support of Staffordshire University’s fully funded initiative in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

For more information, reach out to us at employers@staffs.ac.uk or explore the details of this transformative scheme led by Staffordshire University here https://bit.ly/49XDVdz

*This project is fully funded by the UK Shared Prosperity fund in partnership with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and offered free of charge to each participating organisation.

I know its advent and Christmas is close so I will get the serious stuff out of the way first and then give you something to look forward to in the New Year.

The latest British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) quarterly economic forecast, which is ranked joint second most accurate by the Sunday Times, predicts the UK will remain in the doldrums for some time.

The BCC has marginally upgraded its 2023 and 2024 GDP forecast but lowered the outlook for 2025, as economic growth for all three years flatlines.

Key points in the forecast are:

• 2023 GDP forecast upgraded to 0.6% from 0.4% in previous forecast.
• GDP growth in 2024 upgraded and 2025 downgraded from 0.3% and 0.7% to 0.4% and 0.6% respectively.
• Interest rates have now peaked at 5.25% but will ease only slightly in 2024 to 5%, before dropping to 4.25% by the end of 2025 – still well above the average for the past 10 years.
• The inflation rate has slowed to 4.6% in Q4 2023, but will remain above the 2% target in 2024, at 3.1%, before dropping to 1.9% in Q4 2025.
• Imports, exports, and general government spending all declined in 2023. In real terms Government spending and business investment will contract in 2024, both by -0.8%.
• Imports and exports are both expected to grow slowly in 2024 (0.3% and 0.5% respectively) and 2025 (1.1% and 1.2% respectively). This is weak by historical standards and less than the global average.

With interest rates now predicted to fall only slightly in 2024 and business confidence failing to take off, the BCC expects the economy to grow by just 0.4% in 2024 and 0.6% in 2025.

Weak levels of growth in household consumption and a forecast of a reduction in overall real terms Government spending in 2023 and 2024, are also factors in this shaky performance.

Although disposable incomes are now above pre-pandemic levels, households are spending less than they did then, suggesting high interest rates, inflation and global headwinds are weighing on consumer confidence.

The UK economy has yet to find a way to break out of its current rut and while it’s welcome that GDP should continue to expand there is an underlying fragility that is eroding confidence.

The Government set out several pro-growth measures in the Autumn Statement, but businesses and consumers have had their fingers badly burned by the pandemic and ensuing economic shocks.

It will take a huge effort to encourage investment and consumer spending, against that background, and inject some much-needed vitality.

The minimum wage increase early next year will further impact investment concerns among businesses, as cost pressures rise.

As we head towards an election next year, politicians will have to show how they will work with the business community to build on the Autumn Statement commitments and develop a much-needed long term economic plan to give companies confidence to invest in people, trade and grow.

House of Commons visit

Ok enough of the depressing stuff! This week we took a group of our patrons and members to the Houses of Parliament. The visit was hosted by Jack Brereton, MP for Stoke South who was one of seven Staffordshire MPs we met during our visit. We also met with Lee Rowley, Minister of State for Housing and James Sunderland MP.

We had the opportunity to discuss a range of topics including the economy, infrastructure, transport, skills, energy and net zero.

Connecting members to key decision makers is a crucial to our role as the voice of business and I am proud of the fact that that our members have regular access to all our MPs through visits like this and our regular ‘Meet the MP’ events. Keep an eye on our events page for these events in the new year.

Members’ Potters Club corporate membership

And finally let me tell you about a great exclusive corporate membership deal at the Potters Club for Chamber members.

The Potters’ Club is a local treasure. With sumptuous surroundings and the unique ambiance of the restaurant and Members’ Lounge you could be forgiven for thinking you were in a member’s club in the West End of London.

The British Pottery Manufacturers Federation Club, or Potters’ Club as it is more fondly known is situated on the third floor of the imposing Federation House on Station Road in Stoke. It was founded in 1951 to provide facilities for directors of the thriving local pottery companies to entertain overseas visitors. Over time the Club has extended its membership to professional people from all walks of business.

The new deal we have put together with the Club affords access to all its facilities including dining, use of the Members’ Lounge and of the facilities to host events, conferences, family occasions or just a space to take time out to relax.

With this exciting alliance, Chambers’ members will receive a complimentary Potters’ Club membership. Up to 10 employees of participating company will have access to the club’s facilities and exceptional dining experiences.

To find out the full details of the Potters Club deal contact our membership team membership@staffordshirechambers.co.uk or call 01782 202222.

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

HMP Sudbury, in collaboration with its Employment Advisory Board (EAB), hosted a unique careers event that united local businesses and the prison community to explore pathways for workforce reintegration.

The Employment Advisory Board, comprising prominent local business leaders, played a pivotal role in connecting businesses with the potential workforce available within the Sudbury Prison community. Their collaboration showcased a commitment to fostering second chances and opening doors to meaningful employment for those currently incarcerated.

The event drew a diverse range of businesses representing sectors such as warehousing, manufacturing, construction, as well as specialised companies offering self-employment guidance and tailored support across various fields. The attendees were deeply impressed by the wealth of talent and untapped potential within HMP Sudbury.

Particpants expressed their eagerness for more opportunities of this nature, and emphasised the importance of similar events involving businesses from across the country, especially from regions like the West Midlands and London, where many of them will be released.

This collaboration between HMP Sudbury and the Employment Advisory Board exemplifies how collaborative efforts can ignite hope among prisoners for realising their potential upon release. By providing access to quality employment opportunities, this initiative aims to break the cycle of reoffending and secure a brighter future for the individuals involved and their families.