Local businesses are being invited to come forward to help to shape a North Staffordshire Business Festival, which is set to attract hundreds of delegates next spring.
In March this year, the first ever Shaping the Future Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Festival, attracted 300 attendees, with 20 keynote speakers sharing their insights and 25 interactive and educational workshops delivered across the week-long festival.
Following its success organisations – including entrepreneurs, artists and charities – are now being asked to share their own suggestions on what they would like to see for the return of the festival – which is being organised by Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council in collaboration with PH Production Services and has received funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Peter Herbert of PH Productions said: “There was a lot to take away from the first festival, and plenty to learn from. While the festival is about bringing organisations together to connect, it also about learning and how to grow together to support Newcastle-under-Lyme, which is why we are inviting local organisations to come forward and let us know their thoughts on what they would like to see – or do – for the return of the Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Festival – which will take place between 16 – 20 March, 2026.”
During the first festival various events also took place at Keele University – who are partnering with the organisers once again for 2026.
Stephen Roberts, Business Engagement Manager at Keele University said: “The 2025 Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Festival helped us to bring together not just businesses, but also educational establishments and members of the creative industry, who joined together to either share their knowledge and expertise or hosted various networking events at their venues.
“For instance keynote speeches from Andy Spinoza author of Manchester Unspun and Pottery Throw-downs Keith Brymer Jones took place at Newcastle-under-Lyme College, investment advisor John Straw spoke at Keele University and a full day’s networking took place at the Denise Coates Foundation Building, where businesses had the opportunity to exhibit.”
Other highlights of the 2025, event included an insightful talk on the ceramic industry from Hannah Ault, CEO of Valentines Clay and Vice President Of The British Ceramics Confederation, whilst Rob Fisher from Strategi Solutions and Chris Daniels of Cyberkiln, took to the stage to deliver sessions amongst many others.
A packed out Women in Business event also took place at King Street Studios, hosted by Sonya Farrall of BabaBaboon PR, which welcomed speakers Wendy Dean of Strategi, Allison Walters of AwScape and Kerry Bonfiglio of Keele University.
Anyone who would like to share suggestions for the 2026 Shaping the Future Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Festival is asked to contact Gary@phproductionservices.co.uk no later than Thursday 6th November.
