Two popular North Staffordshire sites have achieved national recognition in a scheme championing the very best of the country’s tourism industry.
The Events and Conferencing Team at Keele University and Barlaston’s World of Wedgwood were handpicked by tourism industry experts to go to the final of the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025 after being successful at this year’s Visit Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Awards.
The Keele team received the Gold award for Business Events Venue of the Year at the national ceremony held in Brighton last week.
Gold, Silver and Bronze winners were announced across 17 categories and were selected from hundreds of tourism businesses across England.
Emma Woodcock, Head of Catering and Events at Keele University, said: “I am so unbelievably proud of the entire catering and events teams here at Keele for this outstanding achievement. There are thousands of business event venues up and down the country and to be recognised that Keele University is the best venue nationally is nothing short of amazing.
“As a team, we pride ourselves on delivering seamless events and conferences, with customer service and sustainability at the heart of everything we do. However, this achievement wouldn’t have been possible without all the support we receive daily from colleagues across the wider university, especially those within the Estates and Campus Services directorate – this award is an entire university achievement.”
World of Wedgwood won Silver in the International Tourism category.
Jemma Harrison, Head of World of Wedgwood, said: “This award is a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire team who work tirelessly to create memorable experiences for every guest, whether they’re exploring our V&A Wedgwood Collection galleries, learning how to throw a pot, enjoying a Wedgwood Afternoon Tea, or indulging in a spot of retail therapy.”
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:“These annual awards are an opportunity to applaud and showcase the businesses and individuals who provide outstanding customer service and continuously improve their products and offer for visitors.
“Competition this year was fierce, reflecting the excellence evident across each category and I congratulate all the 2025 winners, and especially those who won Gold, an achievement cementing their place as the standard bearers of our world-class tourism industry.”
