Celebrating a Positive Impact in the City Centre

Staffordshire University Business Awards have introduced an exciting new High
Street Impact category to help spotlight the significant & positive effect so many have
on Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire high streets.

Sponsored by Stoke on Trent BID, the High Street Impact category has received 17
nominations in the first year, a fantastic testament to the local welcoming and vibrant
high street culture.

Often unseen or appreciated, many of the nominated people and businesses are
helping change the narrative that Stoke-on-Trent is consistently failing and
countering the notion that there’s no hope. Despite media coverage that focusses on
what isn’t going so well, nominees are pursuing their purpose to make a difference
where they are.

The BID team are so excited to see that so many of the nominated businesses are
right here in Hanley. Not only does this boost the high street itself, but gives
confidence and hope to other organisations and businesses to continue their own
journey’s of impact.

BID chair, Jonathan Bellamy says:

 ‘This is the start of something exciting to celebrate the achievements and impact that so many make in our city centre. We look forward to nominations growing next year so that we can continue our work to create a new, positive narrative about the city centre.’

If you’re wondering who are nominated for 2024, check out these outstanding
businesses and we look forward to sharing many more in 2025, the Centenary year
for Stoke on Trent.

Vellichor Books - run by Mitch Hughes of Fenton, this newly opened, independent
bookshop also has a cafe area and community room to provide a welcoming and
vibrant experience for customers.

I Do Bridal - run by Jules Langton, is an inclusive and welcoming bridal experience
that has affordability and sustainability on its mind.

Keep It Local - run by Andy Nixon and family celebrates, showcases and supports
over 120 local creative business’s wares in their curated flagship and pop up stores.

Ruff and Ruby - an urban youth charity, founded and run by Dawn Reynolds
provides an inspiring ‘one stop shop’ in the heart of The potteries centre, creating a
positive impact for young people in the city.

The Regent Theatre - an iconic creative hub in the heart of Hanley’s Piccadilly
delivers impact to audiences and community alike.

Boots - manager Tracey has created a stand out flagship Boots experience in the
heart of Hanley, delivering exceptional service to all the city’s communities.

Slamwich Club - Nicole and Steph are making a difference by creating an award
winning live music and food scene in Piccadilly with their special hospitality offer.

Card Factory - Alicia Burton, branch manager in Hanley and colleagues are raising
thousands of pounds each year for local and national charities, delivering community
impact right here in the city.

Mitchell Arts Centre - paid for by the community and serving the community, the
MAC is creating impact every day from workshop for kids to outreach work while
keeping us entertained along the way.

If you have been inspired by the positive stories coming from Stoke-on-Trent city
centre then we urge you to share yours. Use social media to like, share and engage
with your favourite positive businesses in the city as well as people who are making
a difference.

Together, there is an opportunity to write a whole new story about Stoke-on-Trent and its bright future.