Fifteen local businesses came together for the launch of a new accreditation mark for county producers – and more are being encouraged to sign up to the scheme.
The Made in Staffordshire mark was officially launch at the County Show after a preview at the House of Commons as part of Staffordshire Day celebrations.
The scheme, created by play marketing organisation We Are Staffordshire, aims to raise the county’s profile as a hub for manufacturing, creativity and innovation.
Businesses that join will benefit from marketing support, promotional opportunities and the use of a quality mark that recognises products genuinely made in the county. They will also have opportunities to be featured in a planned online directory and to take part in future campaigns and events.
Among those exhibiting at the County Show were Marchington-based Hay and Astley – a family-owned business run by Dave and Julia Hayhurst which makes natural lavender products from English lavender at its farm base in the Trent Valley.
Julia said: “We’re part of the Made in Staffordshire initiative because we feel it’s important to showcase where we’re from.
“My family has farmed here for over 100 years and that means an awful lot to us. And the fact that we are part of that farming community but are diversifying into something a little bit different – and telling the public about it – makes this kind of initiative brilliant for us to be able to get that message out there.
“We are a fantastically creative county and very diverse. If more people can buy local and support small independent businesses like ourselves, that’s brilliant.”
Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for economy and skills, said: “Staffordshire is home to some outstanding businesses and producers. Made in Staffordshire gives them the recognition they deserve while helping customers buy local with confidence.
“Supporting local enterprise, creating jobs and growing our economy are key priorities for us, and this accreditation is another practical way of helping Staffordshire businesses succeed.”
To be eligible for the scheme, businesses must have a registered or trading address in Staffordshire or Stoke-on-Trent, have been trading for at least six months, and carry out a meaningful element of their production process within the county.
Thanks to partnership work with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and the county council’s trading standards team, the initiative will also provide access to advice and expertise to support quality, compliance and long-term growth.
Businesses interested in joining can find out more and apply online via this link.
A directory of local businesses and producers can be found here.
