Newcastle-under-Lyme took centre stage in March as the 2025 Business Festival offered a full week of enterprise, creativity and collaboration. The programme spanned five themed days, bringing together entrepreneurs, innovators, students and community leaders to share ideas, learn new skills and make valuable connections.
Across the week, the festival delivered over 25 workshops and activities, supported by 20 expert speakers and panellists in 14 venues around the town. Keele University, Newcastle College, Castle House, King Street Studios and the Guildhall were among the locations that hosted events, alongside open-door businesses, vibrant market showcases and drop-in advice hubs.
The topics covered were wide-ranging and practical. Attendees explored HR consultancy, self-employment, marketing and design, bookkeeping, payroll, and responsible business practices. More forward-looking sessions included introductions to AI, interactive technology demonstrations, and discussions on future innovation. Specialist workshops also looked at landscape and architecture, mental health in entrepreneurship, and the role of non-verbal communication in leadership.
Keynote speakers added further inspiration. Potter and broadcaster Keith Brymer Jones opened with insights into creativity and design; innovation expert John Straw unpacked disruptive technologies including AI, robotics and augmented reality; and writer Andy Spinoza reflected on Manchester’s growth through the interaction of pop, property and politics. Panels included senior voices from Keele University, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, while business stories from local entrepreneurs highlighted the role of resilience, creativity and networking in building success.
The festival also celebrated the contribution of women in business, with sessions led by Wendy Dean of Strategi Solutions, Sonya Farrall of BabaBaboon and Emma Bonfiglio from Keele University, alongside networking at King Street Studios. On the final day, businesses across the town opened their doors for tours, giving visitors a chance to meet employers, explore workplaces and learn about local opportunities.
Pete Herbert, co-producer of the festival and Director of PH Production Services, said:
“The Business Festival showed just how much talent, energy and innovation there is in Newcastle-under-Lyme. From hands-on workshops to inspiring keynote talks, it gave people the chance to learn, connect and think differently about the future of business. What made it special was the variety – one moment you could be learning about bookkeeping or HR, the next about AI, mental health, or the journey of a local entrepreneur. That mix is what makes this festival unique.”
By combining professional insight with community engagement, the 2025 Business Festival not only strengthened networks within Newcastle-under-Lyme but also highlighted the town’s potential as a hub for enterprise, creativity and innovation.