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.
Managing Director of Valentine Clays Hannah Ault, is featuring as a speaker for 2026, along with the following - David Beech (Knights), Steve Timmis of Sempar (Accountancy and Tax), Jonathan Lawton (Hixon Group), Alistair Machin (Chaffinch), Sud Basu (Outdoor Arts), Nicky Bartley (Thrive and Shine) and Usman Shah (Abzorbed IT).
Pete Herbert Managing Director of PH Productions said: “The 2025 Shaping the Future Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Festival attracted businesses of all sizes and sectors who came together.
“Last year we delivered 25 interactive and educational workshops and there is going to be more on offer for 2026’s festival with seminars covering various themes from business growth and innovation, along with panel discussions focused on the creative and industries.
“We have also got some fantastic keynote speakers lined up and we cannot wait to announce more with everyone soon. It’s going to be a jam-packed festival.”
Registration is required for people to attend the festival and business exhibitors are also being sought to have stands throughout the week at the various venues.
“There are several options available for organisations to come and showcase themselves at our events throughout the week, and for the first time the festival will have it’s very own dedicated mobile app,” adds Pete.
“Exhibiting is a great way to directly engage with the hundreds of businesses and professionals who are expected to attend the festival once again.
“Registration is also required to attend and can be done via our website where there we will also be information regarding times, venues, parking facilities and plans for the week. We cannot wait to welcome hundreds more businesses for 2026.”
The Shaping the Future Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Festival takes place from Monday 16 - Friday 20 March 2026. For more information about exhibiting and registration please visit nulshapingthefuture.co.uk