Shaping The Future Festival 2025
The 2025 Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Festival brought together over twenty workshops and activities across five themed days, supported by around twenty expert speakers and panellists. Events took place in more than a dozen venues across the town – from Keele University and Newcastle College to King Street Studios, the Guildhall, Castle House, and the Philip Astley Centre – alongside open-door businesses and vibrant market showcases. With keynote talks, drop-in advice sessions, creative workshops, networking forums and live entertainment, the week-long programme offered a unique mix of learning, inspiration, and community connection.
Hosts and Speakers from 2025
Hannah Ault
Valentine Clays
Keith Brymer Jones
Potter
Andy Spinoza
Author
Chris Daniels
Cyber Kiln
Sonia Farrell
Babababoon Media
Rob Fisher
Strategi Solutions
Alison Walters
Awscape LTD
Wendy Dean
Strategi Solutions
Emma Bonfiglio
Keele University
25+
Workshops & Activities
20
Speakers & Panelists
14
Local Venues Supported
Five themed days of keynote speakers, training sessions, drop-ins, showcases and interactive events.
Industry leaders, entrepreneurs and creatives shared their expertise though keynotes, panels and talks.
From Keele in Town and Newcastle College, to the Phillip Astley Centre several spaces across town hosted events, talks and workshops.
The team behind the event
Working together for collaboration and innovation with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
