Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent set to be showcased to national investors as delegation launches for 2026 event

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent’s position as a leading location to invest and do business will again be showcased at a national investor event in May.

A delegation will be returning to promote the area at UKREiiF (UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum) in Leeds to over 16,000 attendees.

The three-day event is in its fifth year and brings together local and regional public sector organisations with Government, investors, funders, developers, housebuilders and more. It is being held on 19-21 May 2026.

The delegation includes the county council, seven district and borough councils and Stoke-on-Trent City Council as We Are Staffordshire – the county and city’s place marketing organisation.

It will promote key investment and development opportunities across the county and city, including town and city centre regeneration such as Stafford’s Eastgate area, the A50/500 corridor, development sites such as Chatterley Park and the Central Edge on the South Staffordshire/Wolverhampton border.

In addition, the increased technical and entrepreneurial skills of the local workforce will be highlighted which are essential to productivity and growth, and a key factor in attracting investment.

Sponsors for the 2026 event include property developer Stoford, Keele University, Harworth, Indurant and Bericote Properties.

Staffordshire County Council’s acting leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Martin Murray said:

UKREiiF is a national platform which enables us to demonstrate to potential investors why Staffordshire is the beating heart of the country in terms of development opportunities, with our central location and superb connectivity.

We’ll be showcasing our fantastic offer through our We Are Staffordshire brand – to major investors and national decision makers to lever additional funding. This means we can continue to deliver on our plans to attract national and international business which stimulates the creation of higher skilled jobs for Staffordshire people.”

Daniel Gallagher, Joint Managing Director at Stoford said:

We are delighted to be headline sponsor again, supporting Staffordshire County Council at UKREIFF 2026, where we look forward to promoting key Staffordshire sites within our portfolio to include Stoford Park Stafford North which totals circa 250 acres providing an opportunity for B2/B8 Use and is located on the A34 Stone Road north of Stafford.  Adjacent to these sites is our most recent scheme for Pets at Home where we developed a 670,348 sq ft state-of-the-art fulfilment centre.”

Ann Pittard, Director of Engagement & Partnerships at Keele University, added:

We are delighted to continue our partnership with We Are Staffordshire as headline sponsors for another year at UKREiiF.  Universities have an increasingly important role to play in supporting the growth of their local economies and enabling the creation of good quality job opportunities.

The University Science and Innovation Park really adds strength to that.

UKREiiF has been an important platform for us to showcase our plans for an expanded Keele Innovation District.  The event is unique in enabling us to reach the investment, policy, and industry audiences we need to ensure its success.”

Jon Rouse, Chief Executive of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:

We’re excited to be attending UKREiiF 2026 for a fifth consecutive year to showcase our ambitious range of investment opportunities that will help continue the transformation of our city’s economy and urban landscape.

There will be a major focus on our city centre, with a fresh masterplan giving rise to exciting residential and mixed-use development opportunities.  We will also be promoting Chatterley Whitfield, a major black to green investment project, based on the creation of a new eco park around a large former colliery.

Stoke-on-Trent is recognised as a nationally important engine of creativity, innovation and growth, with a dynamic, diverse and highly integrated economy, a rich cultural heritage and indomitable sense of community spirit and UKREiiF is an excellent platform to showcase the city.”

Hosting Stand E22 at the event, We Are Staffordshire is still keen for potential sponsors to get on board. People can find out more about the event and sponsorship opportunities available by contacting hello@wearestaffordshire.co.uk