Andy Jackson
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Articles by Andy Jackson
Historic estate agent opens new office yards from MD’s childhood home
One of Staffordshire’s longest-established estate agents is opening a new branch in Meir Heath, almost four years after being rescued from administration. Heywoods will open its new office at 422 Sandon Road on Monday, 2 November, marking a return to the south of the city for the business, which traces its roots back to 1881. The move also has a personal significance for Managing Director Alistair Trippett, who grew up just 200 yards from the new office.
Training specialist urges public venues to act now over new counter-terror responsibilities
Businesses are being urged to start preparing now for new counter‑terrorism duties expected to come into force in spring 2027. Lloyd Dykes, Director at Acadame, says many organisations could still underestimate the scale of the upcoming requirements, which will apply to thousands of publicly accessible premises including leisure venues, hospitality sites, visitor attractions, places of worship and major events.
Listen up… new hearing support store all set to open in Lichfield
A new dedicated audiology store is set to open in Lichfield, creating six jobs and expanding access to hearing care services in the city centre. Specsavers Audiology will open alongside the existing Specsavers optical store on Market Street, giving customers a dedicated space for hearing tests, hearing aids and specialist audiology services. The new store is due to open soon, with an official opening ceremony planned for Saturday, 21 November, at 10.45am.
YouTube foodie stars flag growing Uttoxeter restaurant as ‘borderline Michelin star’
An expanding Uttoxeter restaurant is building its national profile after winning praise from two popular YouTube food reviewers with almost one million subscribers between them. Lowes, on Carter Street, welcomed Gary Eats and Danny vs Food for a Sunday lunch event attended by 40 competition winners, with Gary paying for the guests’ three-course meal. The restaurant and wine bar, launched by chef George Lowe and his wife Jemma in 2023, has since added a bar and increased its dining capacity.
Budget 2026: Devolution news, ceramics fund and £10m Stafford boost in Chancellor’s ‘steady as you go’ offering
Staffordshire’s ceramics industry could benefit from a new £120 million national fund, while Stafford has been earmarked for £10 million and a devolution deal for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire has moved closer. But Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said the Autumn Budget fell short of the action many businesses wanted to reduce costs and accelerate economic growth.
Budget 2026: Politicians across party spectrum welcome devolution news
Labour MPs across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent have welcomed the announcement at the Budget 2026 of a new Mayoral Strategic Authority for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, saying it will bring more power and investment closer to local communities. The announcement is part of Labour’s wider drive to move decisions out of Westminster and give local leaders more control over the priorities that can grow the economy, create jobs and improve people’s lives.
Budget 2026: Chancellor misses opportunity to support ceramics industry, says trade body
National trade body Ceramics UK today said ceramics manufacturers in Staffordshire have been left facing gaps in energy support after an “underwhelming” Budget. The organisation said opportunities to support the sector had been missed despite the Chancellor’s stated ambition to “re-industrialise Britain”.
Budget 2026: Council leader welcomes £10m Budget boost for Stafford market hall
Stafford Borough Council’s leader has welcomed a £10 million Budget boost for a new market hall, saying it will create opportunities for independent businesses and help drive town centre footfall. Labour Councillor Aidan Godfrey, who leads the coalition administration, described the funding announced today as “a major win” for Stafford and a significant step towards delivering the authority’s wider regeneration ambitions.
Chancellor pledges support to businesses in late night Budget teaser
Staffordshire businesses have been promised targeted support, backing for entrepreneurs and action on energy costs in a late-night message from the Chancellor on the eve of today’s Budget. The video statement offered an early indication of the Government’s priorities ahead of the full announcement later today, Wednesday 28 October, with pledges aimed at businesses and self-employed people facing continued pressure.
New acting county council leader pledges to champion residents and businesses
Staffordshire County Council’s new Acting Leader, Councillor Hayley Coles, has pledged to champion residents and businesses and drive forward the county’s plans following her predecessor Martin Murray’s resignation. Cllr Coles, previously the council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, has taken on the role with immediate effect. The ruling Reform UK group selected her as its new group Leader, with Councillor Sean Bagguley appointed group Deputy Leader.
Former MP Joan Walley calls for more joined-up regeneration approach after demolition of listed Wade factory
Former Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley – a driving force for decades behind Burslem regeneration – has called for a more coordinated approach to heritage-led regeneration following last week’s shock demolition of the listed frontage of the town’s former Wade factory. She said investment, stronger expectations of property owners and better coordination between council departments were needed to bring abandoned buildings back into use and support the town’s long-term revival.
£100,000 interest-free loans offer growth boost for local SMEs across the county
SMALL and medium-sized businesses across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire can apply for interest-free loans of up to £100,000 to support investment and growth. Scale Up Staffordshire, a joint programme from Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire County Council, offers funding for site development, energy efficiency upgrades, equipment and other productivity improvements.
Demolition work starts at historic Wade pottery site in Burslem
Demolition work has started at the historic Wade pottery site in Burslem after Stoke-on-Trent City Council ordered the owner to remove sections identified as a risk to public safety. Westport Road is closed until tomorrow (20 October) while the work takes place at the former factory, which closed in 2010 and was sold for housing development. The council told Daily Focus that the action does not include the listed factory frontage onto Westport Road.
Stuart Elford: Budget must turn growth promises into jobs for Staffordshire
Staffordshire businesses are ready to grow, but rising costs and barriers to recruitment and investment are holding them back. The Budget must deliver practical help, argues Stuart Elford, Chief Executive of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce. “Staffordshire does not need persuading that making things matters. The question is whether the Government will make it easier for our businesses to employ more people and invest.
What happens beyond the pipeline? Rethinking Australia’s ‘Asia capability’
Australia is once again confronting a fundamental question: how well equipped is it to engage with Asia? The reasons for this renewed attention are clear. Four of Australia’s five largest trading partners are in Asia, while about 17 per cent of Australians identify as having Asian heritage. Australia’s economic, strategic, cultural and social relationships with the region are not peripheral to national life.
Hidden brings fresh life to historic Longton potbank
A chef has brought part of a former Stoke-on-Trent pottery factory back to life as a vibrant food and drink destination – and is inviting people to discover what lies behind its big blue doors. Cris Cohen – formerly behind the FEASTED story at Spode, in Stoke – has opened Hidden at Sutherland Works, off Normacot Road in Longton, transforming space once occupied by pottery manufacturer Hudson and Middleton into a café bar and studio kitchen.
Businesses urged to back local causes at 60-second pitch event
Staffordshire businesses can meet local charities and care organisations seeking support at a free speed pitch event next month – with each cause given just 60 seconds to explain what it needs. The third Payback Exchange takes place on Tuesday, 13 October, at Commerce House, Festival Park, bringing businesses and community organisations together to explore opportunities for support.
Staffordshire colleges welcome vocational GCSE plans and work experience drive
Higher education leaders across Staffordshire have welcomed government plans for new vocational GCSEs, saying stronger technical education pathways could help young people progress into employment and meet businesses’ skills needs. Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) and Stoke on Trent College have backed the ambition to put vocational and academic education on an equal footing, alongside a national drive for more work experience placements.
‘No intention of slowing down’: George Bamford sets out JCB ambitions
George Bamford, announced yesterday as JCB’s Joint Chairman, has “no intention of slowing down” pointing to the company’s hydrogen-powered world land speed record and major transatlantic factory investments as evidence of its ambitions. George said he was honoured to take on the role alongside his father, Lord Bamford, who will remain Chairman for life.
Avanti public ownership plan welcomed by Stoke-on-Trent council leader
Commuters in Staffordshire could breathe a sigh of relief after Labour’s announcement to take Britain’s “worst railway operator” into public ownership next March. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed the takeover of Avanti West Coast at the Labour Party conference, with services transferring to public control on 7 March 2027. The announcement follows persistent criticism of the operator’s reliability and cancellations.
BREAKING: George Bamford named Joint Chairman as JCB reports £642m profit
George Bamford is to become Joint Chairman of JCB alongside his father, Lord Bamford, marking the first change at the top of the Staffordshire manufacturer in more than 50 years. Fresh from setting a new world land speed record of 406.320mph powered by its pioneering hydrogen technology, JCB is accelerating investment in its future, with major commitments to British manufacturing and new production capacity in the United States.
MP calls for investment in Newcastle after report exposes youth jobs shortage
Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Adam Jogee has called for greater backing for local industry after research placed the borough among the country’s worst areas for youth job opportunities. Responding to figures showing Newcastle had almost half the national average rate of suitable vacancies for young adults, the MP said tackling the feeling that young people must leave home to succeed was his “top priority”.
JCB order puts Potteries-made fine china on the global stage
Stoke-on-Trent manufacturer Duchess China 1888 has secured its largest-ever order from JCB, in a major boost to the city’s historic pottery industry. The Longton business will supply around 1,300 fine bone china cups, saucers, plates, teapots and coffee pots to JCB’s World Headquarters in Rocester, sites in North America and Brazil, and dealerships across the UK, Europe and Panama. The deal takes a relationship spanning more than 25 years across multiple international sites for the first time.
Newcastle and South Staffordshire among UK’s worst for youth job opportunities
Parts of Staffordshire are among the UK’s worst for entry-level job opportunities for young people, according to new research. Newcastle-under-Lyme and South Staffordshire have around half the national average number of suitable vacancies relative to their young adult populations, the Institute for Public Policy Research found. Newcastle recorded 57 suitable vacancies per 1,000 people aged 18 to 24, with South Staffordshire close behind on 58.
Recruitment for £135,000 Staffordshire council role halted after Government pauses shake-up
Recruitment for a £135,000-a-year role overseeing Staffordshire’s historic council shake-up has been halted after the Government ordered a pause in reorganisation work. Staffordshire County Council confirmed it will not continue the search for a Programme Director for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), just weeks after Daily Focus highlighted the vacancy.
Employers invited to help shape the future of work experience
Businesses across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are being urged to spare two minutes to help shape how schools prepare young people for the workplace. The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Careers Hub is seeking employer views ahead of its forthcoming Careers Hub Vision Event, which will bring together senior school leaders to explore the future of Modern Work Experience.
Spitfire heritage provides backdrop to Staffordshire’s future skills drive
Staffordshire businesses are being invited to help inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists at an event drawing on the legacy of Spitfire designer Reginald Mitchell. Proud Past, Brilliant Futures takes place in the Spitfire Gallery at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery on Thursday, 24 September, from 8.30am to 10am.
Council spending £134,000 on new Staffordshire pet crematorium
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is spending £134,000 on a new council-run pet crematorium which is expected to open before the end of the year. The authority has confirmed to Daily Focus that the Loved and Loyal Pet Crematorium, being developed at Bradwell Crematorium, remains within the £134,000 budget approved through its capital programme.
Staffordshire businesses put Budget ‘ask’ to MPs as Parliament returns
Staffordshire’s business community has marked MPs’ return to Westminster by setting out a nine-point Budget challenge to Government – including a call for no further tax rises, lower VAT for hospitality and major investment in the county’s infrastructure. Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce submitted its Autumn Budget representation to Chancellor John Healey on Tuesday, September 1, with the document also sent to every Staffordshire MP.
Data centre and minewater energy plans could unlock Chatterley Whitfield investment
One of Stoke-on-Trent’s largest and most historically significant sites could be opened up to a new wave of commercial investment under plans to combine heritage regeneration with digital infrastructure and clean energy. Stoke-on-Trent City Council is developing a new vision for the approximately 100-hectare Chatterley Whitfield site which includes exploring opportunities for a data centre and minewater heat technologies alongside wider commercial development.
Tamworth launches investment prospectus to target next wave of regeneration
Tamworth Borough Council has launched a new investment prospectus aimed at attracting developers, businesses and investors to the Staffordshire town as it builds on more than £40 million of town centre regeneration. The Tamworth Place Prospectus brings together a series of development opportunities while promoting the town’s strong transport links, established economy and growing visitor offer. Tamworth has a population of around 81,000 and sits close to the M42, A5 and A38.
Staffordshire firm expands nationwide with construction strip-out service
A Staffordshire waste business launched just three years ago has expanded into construction enabling works and is now taking on projects across the UK. Barlaston-based Sixtowns Waste Ltd, founded by entrepreneur Ben Trickett, has developed from a waste collection and disposal business into a contractor providing strip-outs, site clearance and preparation work for builders, developers, architects and property managers.
Event to showcase R&D funding available to thriving Createch sector
Creative technology businesses in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are being invited to learn about a round of research and development funding available across the West Midlands. CreaTech Frontiers will return to Stoke on September 9 for a briefing on its 2026 Foundations Fund call, giving local companies an opportunity to understand the funding, discuss project ideas and find out how to apply. The event will run from 1pm to 3pm at The Quarter at Potbank, Elenora Street, Stoke.
Customers set to benefit from Browns’ in-house transport platform investment
Logistics operator Browns Distribution has launched an in-house transport management system designed to connect customers, drivers, warehouse teams and planners through a single platform. Touchbase, described by the £24 million-turnover company as its biggest technology investment to date, has been developed by Browns’ own software team rather than purchased from an external supplier.
Historic building owners warned as council crackdown passes 100 cases
Businesses and landlords which allow historic properties in Stoke-on-Trent to deteriorate face repair notices, criminal prosecution and bills as the council intensifies its heritage enforcement programme.
Five Lichfield businesses complete energy-saving upgrades
Five hospitality businesses in Lichfield District have completed energy-saving projects expected to cut their carbon emissions by more than 22 tonnes a year. The projects received almost £40,000 through Lichfield District Council’s Energy Saving Scheme, funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. More than £72,000 has been awarded overall to help businesses reduce energy use, lower operating costs and improve the sustainability of their premises.
Tickets go on sale for first Stoke Book Festival
Tickets have gone on sale for a new week-long book festival designed to strengthen Stoke-on-Trent’s cultural offer and help tackle the city’s literacy challenges. The inaugural Stoke Book Festival will run from October 3 to 10, bringing together nationally recognised writers, local authors, workshops, performances and family activities at venues across the city.
Investment approved for Biddulph gym and Leek sports pavilion
The fitness suite at MyActive Biddulph will be fitted with new cardiovascular and strength-training equipment, safety flooring and refreshed branding. A new fleet of technology-enabled indoor cycles will also be introduced. The council said the improvements respond to customer feedback collected since MyActive took over the operation of the district’s leisure facilities in October 2024.
Exclusive: Hunt is on for £135,000 director to lead transformation of Staffordshire councils
The hunt is on for a senior leader to drive the biggest council shake-up in Staffordshire for more than 50 years. Staffordshire County Council is leading the process and expects to pay around £135,000 a year, depending on experience, for a Programme Director to lead the proposed reorganisation of local government across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
Have you got what it takes to scoop historic Staffordshire job and £135k salary?
Wanted: diplomat, transformation expert, financial strategist, organisational architect, risk manager and occasional political tightrope walker. (You also need to be strategic, credible, inclusive, decisive, resilient, courageous and stewardship-orientated.) It’s a tall order but there’s a big salary up for grabs and a chance to make history in Staffordshire. Could it be you?
Store demolition paves the way for planning application for 110 new homes at critical city centre site
Development partners behind the first development at the landmark Etruscan Square site in Stoke-on-Trent’s city centre are working on a planning application to build new affordable homes on the brownfield site. Genr8 and sustainable developer PfP Igloo have the green light to submit their plans after the demolition of the former Iceland store on Charles Street was demolished.
Free event brings advice for rural businesses to Biddulph
A free event designed for rural businesses based in the Moorlands will take place at Biddulph Town Hall next month. Hosted by Staffordshire County Council in partnership with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, the ‘access to finance for rural business’ will set out funding options available, including grants and loans, as well as how to apply.
Council restructures Hilton Garden Inn hotel finances to shore up long term future
Stoke-on-Trent City Council has approved a financial restructuring of the Hilton Garden Inn at Smithfield in a move aimed at securing the long-term future of the city centre hotel. The authority has agreed measures which give it the option of providing additional capital and converting its own debt into equity to rebalance the hotel’s finances over the longer term.
Pickle ball centre given green light by planners
Planning officials have given the green light for a new pickle ball sports centre to be created in Stoke-on-Trent. Pickleball People has been granted permission to change the use of the former Autobrite Direct building on Festival Way in Etruria into a centre with nine pickleball courts, a viewing area with café, along with a reception and a shop.
Business park secures trio of new tenants in latest lettings
A trio of businesses spanning the automotive, home interiors and construction sectors have made a new home at a Burton upon Trent business park. Property agents Rushton Hickman said the completion of all three lettings at Eccleshall Business Park strengthens the tenant mix and reinforces the continued demand for well-located, flexible industrial accommodation in Burton. The first unit has been let to Cromford Cars and will be used for the secure storage of both classic and modern vehicles.
Ministers urged to give clear devolution timetable as Staffordshire risks being left behind
Staffordshire business leaders have warned the county risks being left behind in the race for investment and economic growth unless the Government accelerates devolution and releases £10 million of funding they say has been held back by delays.
Cannock contractor opens Scottish office following refurbishment of ‘movie star’ building
The company has taken space at New Alderston House on Strathclyde Business Park, giving it a permanent base for projects north of the border. The expansion follows Inco’s completion of a heritage refurbishment at 95 Bothwell Street in Glasgow. The landmark building, which has appeared in Spider-Man and Indiana Jones films, required specialist repairs to its stonework, ornate cornices, balcony steelwork and roof parapets.
Huge rail-linked logistics hub bringing £7m social benefit to county
A 734-acre rail-freight and logistics hub under construction near Junction 12 of the M6 in South Staffordshire, has already generated more than £7 million in social value across South Staffordshire, Staffordshire and Wolverhampton. The figure is revealed in West Midlands Interchange’s first Social Value Impact Report, covering 2022 to 2025.
Businesses warned to prepare for analogue phone network switch-off
Staffordshire businesses are being encouraged to check their telephone lines and connected equipment ahead of the final switch-off of the UK’s traditional public switched telephone network, or PSTN, at the end of January 2027. With fewer than six months remaining, organisations that still use analogue lines should contact their communications provider to confirm that appropriate migration arrangements are in place.
Con man jailed after taking £187,000 from 22 victims
A rogue traderwho stole £187,000 from customers across Stoke-on-Trent has been jailed for five years following a Trading Standards investigation. Kevin Hayes, 48, of Frank Street, Stoke-on-Trent, took payments from 22 victims after falsely presenting himself as a legitimate kitchen and bathroom fitter and building contractor.
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