Funding festival a boon to businesses

The pioneering festival was organised by Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub, The NextGen and The British Business Bank.

Held at the BET365 Stadium the festival attracted around 200 delegates from businesses based in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

Growth Hub Manager Rachel Wood said: “It was fantastic seeing so many businesses joining us at the Staffordshire Funding Festival 2025. It is evident that  they understand the importance of investment and having that financial backing for their business in readiness for scaling up.

“The Funding Festival was a huge success, and plans are already in place for 2026.”

More than 20 business support organisations and funding and finance providers exhibited at the festival, including BCRS Business Loans, Mercia Ventures, Minerva Business Angels, High Street banks, Michelin Development Loan and more.

Kathryn Hyde, Managing Director of The NextGen said: “We’ve had an absolutely fantastic turn out for the event. The room was packed and there was such a buzz with everybody being excited to find out what is available to them in our county.”

The Funding Festival featured key speakers as well as exhibitors and networking opportunities, encouraging businesses to forge key connections.

Tracy Sherratt from the British Business Bank said: “Events like this are really important for every business community to understand where the finances are available for them to access and find out more about what’s available to them as their business starts and grows.”

Jamie Kirbyshire of Complete Communications based in Newcastle-under-Lyme said: “Events like this are really important for the business community.

“It’s a great opportunity to network and see what other businesses are doing, share best practice and see what support is out there to help businesses in the area grow and develop.”

To find out more about the support available for businesses in the county, call Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002.