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