Here are some of the top business stories making the national headlines. Average five-year mortgage rate hits 6% for first time in three years The average interest rate on a new five-year
Young people with big ambitions were recognised for completing a 13-week business programme designed to kickstart their entrepreneurial journeys. Held at Commerce House, home of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, the YESS Foundation graduation ceremony celebrated 11 students who completed the Business Basics programme – a free initiative aimed at equipping
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Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has confirmed the finalists for the Small Business of the Year category at the 2025 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards. Sponsored by Sempar, this award recognises outstanding businesses with fewer than 50 employees that demonstrate excellence in leadership, innovation, sustainability and long-term performance. The winner will be revealed at a spectacular gala dinner taking place
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Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has announced the finalists for the Responsible Business of the Year category at the 2025 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards. Sponsored by Rydale Roofing, this award recognises businesses and charities demonstrating strong social responsibility, community engagement and ethical practices across Staffordshire. The finalists are: Hanley Economic Building SocietyFounded in 1854, Hanley Economic Building
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Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has confirmed the finalists in the Professional Services of the Year category at the 2025 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards. Sponsored by NSCG (Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group), this highly regarded category celebrates organisations that demonstrate exceptional service delivery, leadership, innovation, employee development, and community impact across the professional services sector. Winners will be
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Promotion-winning Port Vale CEO Matt Hancock has offered an insight into the club’s preparation for League One and the significance of recent on and off-field achievements in an exclusive interview with Daily Focus. In this candid interview, Matt discusses Port Vale’s successes during the 2024/25 season, the surge in season
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Daily Focus is inviting readers to take part in a short four-question survey to help shape the future of Staffordshire’s biggest business news publication. Whether you dip into the headlines over breakfast or read stories on the go, we’d love to know what keeps you coming back – and what
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Chris Knott, Director at Leonard Curtis, has spent his career helping businesses navigate some of their toughest moments. With a sharp eye for risk and a practical approach to problem-solving, he’s seen firsthand how over-reliance on a single customer can spell disaster – and what can be done to stop
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As global markets evolve, Staffordshire businesses are expanding their reach beyond local borders, whether it’s by exhibiting at international trade shows or offering on-site services abroad. With this change in international activity, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has seen an increased demand for a simple yet effective tool that can ease
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Multi-million-pound gut-health entrepreneur Alana MacFarlane offers an insight into her business journey in an exclusive interview with Daily Focus. Alana is in the hotseat for the latest episode of Daily Focus Business Cards, and discusses the intricacies of launching a business with her twin sister, her biggest inspiration – and
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Smithfield Works, the city centre’s popular co-working hub and part of the £250m Smithfield development by Genr8, has announced a new partnership with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce to support the region’s business community. Marking its three-year anniversary, the co-working space has become the first-ever sponsor of the Chambers’ three main
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