Chris Plant, Deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, reveals some exciting developments that have been made in recent meetings between delegates from Stoke-on-Trent and Erlangen – the German city that was twinned with the Potteries back in 1989.
“It’s been 35 years since Stoke-on-Trent was twinned with the German city of Erlangen.
The twinning was established to enhance technical exchanges at various levels, including university contacts, youth exchanges and joint cultural programmes.
At Staffordshire Chambers, we’re determined to reignite this partnership, originally sealed in 1989, and have been working on a series of activities to help bring the cities closer together.
At Commerce House this week, we held a roundtable discussion with Erlangen’s Oberbürgermeister, Florian Janik, where we discussed the opportunities for Staffordshire businesses in Erlangen and the wider metropolitan region of Nuremberg. We also explored further development of trade links and the important role that developing skills and language could play for both cities.
The delegation also enjoyed a tour of leading local manufacturer KMF, attended a skills roundtable with key delegates from local universities, colleges and schools and also visited Port Vale Football Club.
This initiative follows the Chambers’ visit to Erlangen in January, where a delegation that included our Head of Projects and Business Services, Tom Nadin, the Stoke-on-Trent Mayor Majid Khan and former MP for Stoke-on-Trent Joan Walleyworked, visited the city to develop trade links, with a particular focus on the pivotal role that skills and language development plays for both our cities.
Just going past Stoke-on-Trent Street in #Erlangen #Germany. Lots learnt and even more contacts made to revive our friendship and partnership with this great city! #stokeontrent pic.twitter.com/75gaxHi9Zn
— Tom Nadin (@SCCI_Tom) January 24, 2024
Staffordshire Chambers is fully committed to sustaining this relationship, serving as the primary point of contact for Erlangen. We are actively exploring the possibility of a business delegation visiting Erlangen again later this year, as we look to drive a long-lasting and mutually beneficial partnership.
A fantastic, unique partnership that I am excited to see grow and develop during 2024 and beyond.”
