Staffordshire’s businesses, culture and even its signature oatcakes have been showcased in Parliament as the county prepares to celebrate the 10th Staffordshire Day.
A House of Commons event brought together MPs, ministers and industry leaders to highlight the strength and identity of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, with more than 20 businesses and organisations represented.
The celebration, held ahead of Staffordshire Day on Friday, 1 May, also saw the launch of the new Made in Staffordshire initiative. The countywide accreditation scheme aims to bring together world-class manufacturing, a vibrant creative sector and thriving food and drink producers under a single trusted quality mark.
Organised by We Are Staffordshire and supported by Staffordshire MPs, the event included a marketplace-style showcase spanning global manufacturers, independent producers, education providers, cultural organisationsand visitor attractions.
Businesses taking part included GE Vernova, JCB, Keele University, Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, New Vic Theatre, Lucideon, St George’s Park, Titanic Brewery and Woolcool.
Three roundtable discussions explored the opportunities and challenges shaping the county’s future, focusing on pride of place and economic growth, skills and learning, and an ‘interview promise’ for care-experienced young people to help remove barriers into employment.
Hannah Ault, chair of We Are Staffordshire and managing director of Valentine Clays, said: “Events like this are so important in raising awareness of everything Staffordshire has to offer – from advanced manufacturing and innovation to creativity, skills and investment opportunities. The launch of Made in Staffordshire is a powerful way to champion our businesses, strengthen pride of place and showcase our county on the national stage.”
Martin Murray, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: “We are proud to showcase Staffordshire as the beating heart of the country. Our county is the nation’s playground and a prime location for major business investment, with its mix of heritage, creativity, skills and innovation.
“Bringing our businesses and partners to Parliament has enabled us to celebrate everything that makes Staffordshire special, whilst demonstrating where we are heading and the opportunities the county offers.”
Alongside the formal programme, MPs were also given a taste of Staffordshire as oatcakes appeared on the parliamentary breakfast menu for the first time.
Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove MP David Williams praised the House of Commons catering team for embracing the Potteries staple, although he noted they were folded origami-style rather than rolling.
He said: “It is brilliant that we are able to showcase our special food to people down here in Parliament.”
Leigh Ingham, MP for Stafford, Eccleshall and the villages, said: “It was an absolutely buzzing event, with so much interest in Staffordshire from MPs, Ministers, and industry leaders.
“The roundtables were a constructive opportunity for conversations about skills, investment, and opportunity. I hope Ministers left today with a clearer picture of what this part of the country has to offer, and the specific investment we need to move forward.”
Gareth Snell, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, added: “From Staffordshire oatcakes being served to MPs to seeing them try their hand at throwing a pot, all set against the historic backdrop of Parliament, it was a truly memorable occasion.
“We must now build on this momentum and continue to show Ministers just how much our county has to offer. With the right investment, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire can not only succeed, but thrive.”
Staffordshire Day is celebrated annually on 1 May, marking the date Josiah Wedgwood opened his factory in Burslem in 1759. This year’s 10th anniversary will be marked with events across the county, including the launch of the Staffy Trail, a new visitor initiative celebrating the area’s culture, heritage and communities.
