Keith is a renowned British designer and ceramicist who is also the co-judge of The Great Pottery Throw Down. Keith can also be seen on the hit Channel 4 show, Our Welsh Chapel Dream, where Keith and Marj Hogarth delve into the restoration of a derelict Grade II listed Welsh chapel.

Monday 10th | 10:00am

Hannah Ault DL is a prominent figure in Staffordshire’s ceramics industry and business community. She serves as the Managing Director of Valentine Clays, a renowned ceramics company based in Stoke-on-Trent. In May 2023, Hannah was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for Staffordshire, a role in which she promotes the county and identifies individuals and organizations deserving of royal recognition across various sectors.

Monday 10th | 10:00am

Chris Daniels is the Founder and Managing Director of CyberKiln, a digital creative agency specializing in bespoke web and app development, based in Stoke-on-Trent.

With over 24 years of industry experience, Chris established CyberKiln with a vision to deliver quality results and service for clients, harnessing the power of the latest technology.

Monday 10th | 10:00am

Andy Spinoza is a British author and journalist renowned for his extensive documentation of Manchester’s cultural evolution over the past four decades. Arriving in Manchester as an 18-year-old student in 1979, he became deeply immersed in the city’s vibrant music and political scenes. In 1983, he founded City Life, an arts and listings magazine that became a cornerstone of Manchester’s cultural journalism.

Wednesday 12th | 10:00am

Rob Fisher is the Managing Director of Strategi Solutions Group Limited, a consultancy firm based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. He was appointed as a director on September 1, 2017.

Wednesday 12th | 10:00am

Wendy is not just the boss, she is the founder and visionary of the Strategi Solutions Group and also our friend. A culture change guru, Wendy passionately believes that successful businesses put their people at the heart of their business strategy and demonstrates this through her management of the team.

Thursday 13th | 10:00am

An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI)’

Richard Wood is the founder of Rocketeer Academy, where he specialises in unlocking business growth and integrating AI solutions for business owners, founders, and CEOs. With a passion for driving innovation and empowering leaders, Richard helps businesses thrive in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven landscape.

Monday 10th, 1pm & 2pm

What you need to know about Employing people in your business for the first time – Your HR questions answered

Are you starting a new business, looking to employ people for the first time, or planning for a period of growth, then come and learn everything you need to know about employing, leading and developing people. Jo Everill will share her story of moving from corporate life to independent consultant, and share what you need to know when starting to employ people for the first time, giving you the knowledge and confidence to take the next step in your business.

Monday 10th, 1pm & 2pm

Networking and business growth story

Hear how katie’s journey of growing her business and how networking has helped.

Wednesday 12th, 1pm & 2pm

From Employed to 4 day week Employer

How to go from being employed by someone else, to taking a chance on your own, running your own business successfully, and then making the leap to employing someone, and then expanding even more.What do you need What don’t you need What hazards you might encounter on the way When do you know it is time to expand How do you employ? What it means to be an employer. Making it your own.

Wednesday 12th, 1pm & 2pm

How nonverbal behaviours impact your team’s performance and business growth

In this session, Jude Jennison shares the 12 hidden dynamics of nonverbal behaviour that exist in every relationship and team. Discover how your nonverbal behaviour impacts you.

Wednesday 10th, 1pm & 2pm

Networking and business growth story

Joining Katie in this session Andy will give his top tips and advice to getting the most out of networking

Wednesday 12th, 1pm & 2pm

Business Enterprise Support

Helen is a successful marketer, business coach and educator working across Staffordshire and Cheshire delivering high-quality industry relevant training.  Growing up in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Helen is passionate about raising aspirations for both young people and adults in her local area, as well as widening participation and access for local working-class people to upskill and grow viable businesses

Keele University

Emma Bonfiglio is a Partnership Development Manager at Keele University bridging the gap between academia and industry, fostering collaborations that drive research, funding, and business growth.

Mental Health Workshop

Co founder of the stalwart group and host of the truuman podcast, shares his deeply personal journey of overcoming suicidal thoughts and rediscovering purpose through entrepreneurship.

Wednesday 12th, 1pm & 2pm