Staffordshire showcased at the heart of Parliament as county marks 10 years of Staffordshire Day

A celebration of county pride, creativity and innovation was held House of Commons today to mark the tenth anniversary of Staffordshire Day on May 1.

The event saw the launch of the new Made in Staffordshire initiative, a countywide accreditation scheme designed to champion the businesses, makers and manufacturers that help to define Staffordshire’s identity.

It showcased producers and world leading businesses to MPs ministers and national decision makers. County businesses of all sizes which have made their mark came together to celebrate the county’s identity, heritage and innovative industry while raising its profile as a place to live, work, visit and invest.

The event was part of wider Staffordshire Day celebrations, that mark a decade since its inception.

Bringing together world-class manufacturing, a vibrant creative sector and thriving food and drink producers under one trusted quality mark, the scheme will support businesses with increased visibility, shared promotion and a stronger collective voice, while giving customers confidence in quality, authenticity and provenance. It promotes Staffordshire’s role at the heart of British manufacturing and creativity, helping to create more jobs, attract investment and boost

sustainable economic growth.

Aspro Studios, a Staffordshire gifting business is one of the first businesses to join the Made in Staffordshire initiative. Founder Kay Vassiliou said: “The Made in Staffordshire initiative connects me more deeply with a vibrant, supportive community of creatives and makers – opening up events and opportunities through collective branding, and helping elevate our voice and visibility beyond what we could achieve alone.”

A Staffordshire marketplace during the event highlighted the range and quality of businesses and organisations shaping the county’s economy, from advanced manufacturing and research to food, drink, culture and tourism.

Businesses taking part included GE Vernova, JCB, Keele University, Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, The New Vic Theatre, Lucideon, St George’s Park, Titanic Brewery and Woolcool.

Three roundtable discussions brought Staffordshire businesses and partners together. They focused on how to strengthen pride of place and economic growth, the value of skills and learning to business and productivity, and the launch of an ‘interview promise’ for care experienced young people, aimed at removing barriers into employment and ensuring fair access to opportunities.

Hannah Ault, Chair of We Are Staffordshire said: “As Chair of We Are Staffordshire, I was incredibly proud to see Staffordshire showcased at the heart of Parliament as we celebrate ten years of Staffordshire Day. I was especially proud for my own business to be there representing our world-renowned ceramics industry, giving MPs the opportunity to have a go with clay – a material that sits at the very roots of Staffordshire’s identity, heritage and global reputation. Events like this are so important in raising awareness of everything Staffordshire has to offer – from advanced manufacturing and innovation to creativity, skills and investment opportunities. The launch of Made in Staffordshire is a powerful way to champion our businesses, strengthen pride of place and showcase our county on the national stage.”

Martin Murray, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: “We are proud to showcase Staffordshire as the beating heart of the country. Our county is the nation’s playground and a prime location for major business investment, with its mix of heritage, creativity, skills and innovation. Bringing our businesses and partners to Parliament has enabled us to celebrate everything that makes Staffordshire special, whilst demonstrating where we are heading and the opportunities the county offers.”

Staffordshire Day is celebrated annually on 1 May, marking the date Josiah Wedgwood opened his factory in Burslem in 1759.