By entrepreneur Craig Wilkinson, whose Staffordshire-based businesses include modern fine dining restaurant Lunar.
“Staffordshire has never lacked ambition, talent or character. From our internationally recognised ceramics heritage to the independent businesses shaping our future, we have a remarkable story to tell. The challenge is ensuring that we tell it confidently enough.
Hospitality has an important role to play in that story.
When we talk about economic growth, the conversation often centres on manufacturing, infrastructure and investment. All are essential. But we must not overlook the restaurants, hotels, attractions and event venues that bring people into our communities, encourage them to spend locally and help shape how a place is perceived.
At Lunar, situated within the historic World of Wedgwood estate, our ambition has always extended beyond serving exceptional food. We want to create experiences that give people another reason to visit Staffordshire, celebrate its heritage and recognise the quality of what our region can offer.
That ambition comes with challenges.
Independent hospitality businesses face relentless pressure from rising employment costs, taxation, energy prices and increasingly narrow margins. These are not abstract figures on a balance sheet. They directly influence decisions about recruitment, investment, pricing and long-term growth.
Yet despite these pressures, our industry continues to demonstrate extraordinary resilience.
Hospitality provides opportunities for young people, develops transferable skills and creates career pathways that are too often underestimated. It also supports a wider network of local suppliers, producers, creatives and service providers.
The economic contribution extends far beyond the restaurant table.
But resilience alone cannot be the long-term strategy. We need an environment in which independent businesses are encouraged to invest, innovate and grow, rather than simply absorb another increase in operating costs.
Equally, we must recognise the importance of collaboration.
Staffordshire’s businesses have an opportunity to become ambassadors for one another. Whether through corporate entertaining, local partnerships, celebrating achievements or choosing independent venues, decisions made within our own business community can have a meaningful impact.
For Lunar, success is not simply measured by the number of guests through our doors. It is about contributing to a stronger destination, supporting our people and helping build confidence in Staffordshire’s hospitality offering.
We have every reason to be proud of what this county can achieve.
Now we must be equally ambitious about where it goes next.”
