Businesses looking to upskill and recruit in 2026 are being encouraged to attend a free event taking place next week.
Connects @ Keele, organised by Connects Network, and supported by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is being held at the Denise Coates Building at Keele University on Tuesday, 20 January.
Suzanne Quinn, project manager at the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Skills Hub, will be explaining opportunities available for businesses to connect with training providers to close skills gaps and unlock growth.
Three different break-out rooms will feature other experts including Karen Woolley, development manager for Staffordshire and the West Midlands at the Federation of Small Businesses, who will provide a talk on late payments and support for SMEs.
Meanwhile, Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group representatives Selina Rudzik and Fiona Rae will be sharing information about T Levels, apprenticeships and adult learning qualifications and Jas Bahra, director of partnerships at AMW Renewables will be sharing practical insights into the funded support available to organisations to meet their net zero targets.
Connects @ Keele is the third in a series of events to take place in the build up to the second Shaping the Future Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Festival in March.
Peter Herbert, director of not-for-profit Connects Network, said: “We have had two really positive Connects @ Keele events in recent months with some fantastic speakers and we are really looking forward to bringing our third session ahead of the 2026 business festival.
“January’s focus is all centred on up-skilling and employability, therefore we are delighted to have representatives from the Staffordshire and Stoke Skills Hub along with the Federation of Small Businesses and Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group.
“Each of these organisations can provide really vital and useful information for organisations looking to either expand their skills or recruit.”
Peter added: “Net Zero is also a hot topic and therefore those attending will be able to learn from the very experienced Jas Bahra who has a wealth of experience in sustainability.”
The event will start from 9.30am and lunch will also be provided.
