A major overhaul of planning and licensing rules is set to make it faster and easier for new cafes, bars and music venues to open in disused shops, in a bid to revitalise high streets and support small businesses. The changes include the introduction of new ‘hospitality zones’ where permissions
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A new funding initiative has been launched offering grants of up to £10,000 to SMEs across the district of Cannock. Eligible businesses who have been trading for at least 12 months can apply to the Grants 4 Growth scheme to support capital investment, productivity improvements, and business innovation. The programme
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Businesses across Stoke-on-Trent are being encouraged to get involved in a video project marking the city’s 100th birthday – by picking up their phones and sharing what they love about the city. The Love Stoke 100 project, which is managed by Framescape and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, invites
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Five Staffordshire organisations have received a prestigious award recognising their commitment to supporting the armed forces community. The Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award is the highest accolade for employers who go above and beyond in supporting defence personnel, including veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers and military
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Goodwin PLC has posted record profits, largely driven by a growing demand for defence and nuclear-related products. The Hanley-based group of mechanical and refractory engineering companies, which was founded in 1883, reported a trading pre-tax profit of £35.5 million for the year ending April 30, 2025 – a 47 per
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Businesses in Stoke-on-Trent are being warned they risk losing their premises and facing criminal charges if they sell illegal tobacco or vapes, particularly to underage customers. The warning follows the latest major seizure by Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Trading Standards team, who recovered £671,000 worth of illegal goods from a storage
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Plans to regenerate Burton upon Trent’s High Street have taken a step forward, with East Staffordshire Borough Council approving funding for the first three phases of development using the Government’s Towns Fund. The scheme, which outlines work on the site over the next two years, includes the demolition of unused
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Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) has taken ownership of the Leek campus of Buxton and Leek College. The strategic move expands the Group’s geographical footprint and will enhance its educational provision for learners and employers across the Staffordshire Moorlands. The Leek campus will now be rebranded to become NSCG
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Brewing and hospitality giant Marston’s has officially launched its new family-focused pub concept, with the Knot and Plough in Stafford reopening as the first-ever ‘Woodie’s’ venue on 30 July. The popular local pub has undergone a major refurbishment to transform it into a welcoming space for families, with a strong
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A new attraction has taken inspiration from 1940s action and adventure films to bring a unique escape room experience to Stone.
Chase the Adventure escape rooms launched last weekend as a place for friends, families and colleagues to test their wits, solve puzzles and unravel mysteries against the clock.
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