Daily Focus readers turned out in force for a special event offering a look behind the scenes of Staffordshire’s biggest news publication.
Yesterday’s Daily Focus – Off the Record reader event celebrated the success of the platform which has attracted more than one million total website views, 2.5 million website clicks and over 500,000 users since its launch just over two years ago.
The concept came about from Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce’s unique position of knowing that local businesses had some amazing stories to shout about but no outlet to tell them.
Since then, the Chamber has been working with award winning Stoke-based creative agency i-creation to run a news service which is delivered to thousands of inboxes every weekday morning.
Guests from across the county came to represent businesses large and small, joined by some PR and marketing professionals.
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce CEO Rachel Laver said: “The Daily Focus – Off the Record event was a fantastic first-hand insight into Staffordshire’s leading business news platform, and how it continues to grow and evolve.
“The team both at i-creation and here at the Chamber have a clear passion for championing local success stories, and it was inspiring to hear how they bring our county’s business achievements to such a wide audience.
“It also helped to highlight the vital role Daily Focus plays in connecting businesses and creating real commercial opportunities across the county. It’s a brilliant initiative that reflects the vibrancy and ambition of our local business community.”
Hayley Johnson, Daily Focus editor and a senior journalist at i-creation, added: “It is the first time we have held a reader event and we were pleased to see so many people coming together to celebrate the success of Daily Focus so far.
“The Daily Focus team combines the passion, skills and expertise of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and i-creation and we look forward to its continued growth.
“We hope guests took away a useful insight and encourage them to engage with us by submitting stories, feedback and suggestions.”
The five most well-read Daily Focus stories of all time feature a mix from the platform’s popular leisure and lifestyle section as well pieces about a company investment, town centre regeneration and transport.
The event also heard from one of the businesses which has benefitted from a partnership with Daily Focus.
Rob Stevenson, a director at Stoke-on-Trent-based Mounsey chartered surveyors, which advertises commercial property in the mailout.
He told described the partnership as being a ‘positive step forward’ for his firm in terms of promoting their properties and brand.
the audience: “Until Daily Focus came along, there was a big gap in reaching out to Staffordshire and the people in it.
“This has given us the ability to offer an additional service to clients, and we have seen the benefits of increased brand awareness. It is all very positive.”
- Anyone who would like to subscribe to the free Daily Focus mailout can do so here.
- Those interested in advertising on the platform should fill out this form.
- Story suggestions can be submitted via news@daily-focus.co.uk
