Shaping The Future of Newcastle-under-Lyme

With a focus on innovation and working relationships within the Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough, our Business Festival, ‘Shaping the Future’, is focused on delivering an event to support all businesses, entrepreneurs and people who want to start a new venture.

Join us for an engaging programme featuring guest speakers, interactive workshops, networking opportunities and business showcases. Together, we’ll celebrate and advance the collaborative efforts of local organisations that are driving progress in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Be a part of shaping the future of our vibrant community.

#NULShapingtheFuture

Inspiring stories from guest speakers

Explore our events & workshops

Discover diverse events and workshops that cater to your interests. Join us for networking, learning and fun. Mark your calendars now!

DAY 1

Monday | Entrepreneurs Launch Day

Mar 10, 2025

Opening event of the festival starting with welcome from the team and Keynote and Guest speakers. Then we move into the town centre for a range of presentation and workshops throughout the town. Join all the local businesses taking to the stones on the Newcastle Markets to showcase their services, with entertainment musical guests throughout the afternoon.

09:00 | Registration, networking then Opening Event at the college with Guest and Keynote Speakers 
11:45 | Move into Newcastle Town Centre
11:30 | Business Market Showcase at Town Centre Markets 
11:30 | Musical Entertainment near the markets 
12:30 | College Workshops 
13:00 | Workshop & Talks in Venues around Newcatle Town Centre
13:00 | Drop In locations around town
15:00 | Event Closes

See Full Schedule

DAY 2

Tuesday | Innovation Expo Day

Mar 11, 2025

We’ll be at Keele University, where our guest speakers with the topics of: UKs Modern Industrial Strategy and Future Tech with a fantastic range of panellists to expand the discussion. There will also be dedicated time for networking and collaboration.

09:00-13:00 

Keynote speaker – John Straw  – A leading speaker on disruptive innovation and disruptive technology, John Straw talks brilliantly about the 5 pillars of disruptive innovation – AI, Internet of Things, 3D printing, augmented reality and advanced robotics – in a style which is easy to understand and awe-inspiring. John is a digital veteran with 33 years in IT and marketing and 4 technology startups to his name. 

Seminar 1 | 09:45-10:45 | Topic: UKs Modern Industrial Strategy. Panellists, Gordon Mole CEO Newcastle Under Lyme Borough Council. Rachel Lever CEO Stoke & Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, Professor Nick O’Donovan Keele University.

Seminar 2 | 11:15-12:15 | Topic: Future Tech. Panellists John Straw, Mikael Sandberg Chairman of VX Fiber, Dr Colin Rigby Keele University.

Over 30 Exhibitor companies will be displaying their innovative produces and services.

Complimentary Breakfast and Lunch refreshments provided.

Venue: Keele University, Denise Coates Building

Time: 9:00am till 1pm

DAY 3

Wednesday | Business Network Day

Mar 12, 2025

Start day three with inspiration and facinating Keynote and Guest speakers. Then we move into the town centre for a range of presentation and workshops throughout the town. Join all the local businesses taking to the stones on the Newcastle Markets to showcase their services, with entertainment musical guests throughout the afternoon.

09:00 | Registration, networking then Guest and Keynote Speakers 
11:30 | Move into Newcastle Town Centre
11:30 | Business Market Showcase at Town Centre Markets 
11:30 | Musical Entertainment near the markets 
13:00 | Workshop & Talks in Venues around Newcatle Town Centre
15:00 | Event Closes

See Full Schedule

DAY 4 Thursday | Women in Business Day

mar 13 2025

Come and hear some of the inspiring stories from women in business in the Newcastle area, with the time for Networking and questions.

10:00 – 10:45 | Wendy Dean (Stragri Solutions)
11:15 – 12:00 | Kirstie Ash (Women in business in Stoke) 
12:15 – 13:00 | Allison Walters (Business Owner)
13:00 – 14:00 | Open Networking

Venues include King Street Studios

Time: 10am till 2pm

DAY 5 Friday | Open Door Business Day

Mar 14, 2025

This is a great opportunity to open your doors and showcase what your organization offers as a supplier, recruiter or just a different way of marketing yourself. You can provide guided tours of your offices, facilities, or production areas, giving visitors an inside look at your services. Most importantly, it’s a chance to highlight current job openings and connect with potential candidates in person.

What can you expect from being an Open Door Business:

  1. Increase Brand Awareness – Inviting people into your space helps them connect with your brand personally. It’s a chance to showcase your products, services, and company culture in a relaxed environment.
  2. Build Community Relationships – Open-door events foster connections with the local community, including neighbours, vendors, and potential partners. This goodwill can strengthen your brand’s reputation locally.
  3. Generate New Leads and Sales – Potential customers can experience your offerings firsthand. If they like what they see, they’re more likely to become paying clients. Consider offering exclusive promotions during the event to drive conversions.
  4. Showcase Expertise and Innovation – You can demonstrate new products, services, or processes and position your business as a leader in your industry. This creates a buzz around your brand.
  5. Recruitment Promotion – Promote any recruitment opportunities you have on offer, meet potential new employees and do it all in an informal settings.

Venues include Newcastle Business to be Announced

Book your place today

Book your ticket now for the days you wish to attend and also reserve your market stall place for Monday (Entrepreneurs Day) in the town centre.

Event Venue Map

INTO (Inspiring New Travel Options) is an Active Travel scheme run by Staffordshire County Council, based in Newcastle-under-Lyme. They will be offering Ebikes to help get you from the College on Monday and Wednesday into the town centre. Find out more here and how to book your transport.

The team behind the event

Working together for the improvement collaboration and innovation of the Newcastle-Under-Lyme Borough Areas

Contact Us

Contact us by email

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This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.