Celebrating Business Heroes in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire
Accounts of business resilience, transformation and success through the pandemic period are detailed in a new publication from the LEP and Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.
They range from a company which designs products for the civil engineering sector and supported NHS workers through to a sole trader making cakes for weddings and parties who turned to selling baking kits through the lockdown period.
All businesses featured in the Business Heroes publication have received support and advice from either the LEP or chambers of commerce at some point in their trading history. Importantly, each gives a top tip in surviving through difficult times.
Jacob Durkin, director of wholesaler Trentham Foods, said: “Be agile, do not accept a no-win scenario, get the help that is out there.”
Charlotte Foxall of agricultural business C Leeke and Sons said: “There could well be room in a new market for you – don’t forget to test it.”
People can read the full Business Heroes publication at: https://bit.ly/3l81WV7
All business support can be accessed through the LEP’s Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub at www.stokestaffsgrowthhub.co.uk or call the business helpline on 0300 111 8002.
LEP chairman Alun Rogers said:
The pandemic has hit all businesses hard, though particularly small and medium-sized companies. From the outset we have worked hard with our partners to ensure the right support was in place and that businesses knew how to access it as soon as possible.
Businesses have shown resilience and determination to get through these incredibly difficult times. They have adapted, diversified, found new markets and thrived. Both before and through the pandemic they have reached out for advice and guidance which, together with our partners, we’ve been pleased to be able to provide. These are just a few of the hundreds of businesses in our area that have created opportunities through this period.”
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce chief executive Sara Williams said:
The Business Heroes publication captures the positive experiences that have come out of a hugely difficult economic climate.
These are businesses that at some point have connected with the chambers or LEP to help them grow and thrive. It is rewarding for us then to see these success stories and critically for them to offer their advice to others in overcoming adversity. We are continually providing advice and support and would like more business heroes to get in touch.
The pandemic has shown more than ever how important it is for the chambers, LEP and other partners to work closely together as we build our economic recovery.”
