We Are Staffordshire Out and About

It’s been a busy month for us, both within the county and further afield, beyond our borders.

As finalists in the City Nation Place Global Awards, we were thrilled to be invited back on stage, talking about all things place and our journey so far in Staffordshire. Although we didn’t win at the awards, to be finalists against such amazing competition, including countries, was a huge honour for us and definitely helped to put Staffordshire on the map.

We were also on the national stage at the recent thinkingplace event in Coventry to share the Staffordshire story with other placemaking organisations from across the country.

Our Place Brand Manager Louisa Shaw said, “It’s great to be able to get out to meet colleagues working in place, investment and tourism from across the country, and in the case of City Nation Place, from across the world! It gives us the opportunity to network, share best practise and capture those inspiring examples of place making from towns, cities and regions.”

Closer to home, we had the pleasure of meeting Peter Ellse, CEO of Cosy Direct – a truly inspirational organisation who create sustainable playground and outdoor learning equipment shipped globally and who donate 10% of profits to a range of local charities in addition to building facilities in Africa.

The company is a shining example of how it is possible to grow and scale commercially whilst recognising the importance of ESG and a commitment to developing its younger leaders. It’s not difficult to see why this organisation was recently awarded a Queen’s Award for Sustainability or the many other accolades that grace its reception walls!

We were also excited to be invited to Castledown Distillery in Newcastle for the launch of the brand new Heritage Edition Staffordshire Gin.

The company has spent over 18 months researching, designing and producing the Heritage edition. The collectable bottle was produced by Wade Ceramics and the gin was developed and refined with the help of around 30 local residents who volunteered to offer their services as gin tasters!

Jay Davies, one of the founders of the company said, “The gin itself evokes senses reminiscent of an English garden, culminating in a perfect fragrance and exceptional elegance.  The Heritage Edition includes forgotten botanicals and takes us back to the original feel of the drink.  Distilled ‘the Staffordshire way’ using traditional methods, this bottle is a tribute to the industrial and creative heritage of our county.

 “Since we began in 2018 we always wanted to produce a locally made ceramic bottle.  It has been a long journey to see this concept through.” 

If you’d like us to come and pay you a visit and you’re interested in hearing more about our Ambassador network, which is completely free, get in touch.