Three spectacular themed meals are promising to wow diners at the Shugborough Estate this Autumn.  

Destination Staffordshire has welcomed VisitEngland’s decision to promote the Peak District as a key attraction to the overseas and UK domestic market, alongside other popular destinations, including the Lake District and Cotswolds.  

Midlands manufacturer Castlefield Products Ltd has announced it will be exhibiting at the Four Oaks Show, held in Cheshire this September.  

A hassle-free way to export that does away with the need to deal with foreign countries, has been launched by a West Midlands company, with the appointment of highly experienced international operator, Bill Almen. Bill, with 30 years experience of developing international trade, is launching a service to help UK companies, by easing them into the Middle East region without having to leave their desks.  

Staffordshire accountant DJH Accountants Ltd is reminding local businesses that they need to be prepared for the new national minimum wage rates that have just been announced by the government and are due to come into force on 1 October 2010 affecting around 970,000 people nationally.  

Changes in the way the tax man treats companies with money difficulties could lead businesses back into trouble just as they are recovering from the worst recession for many years.  

Businesses turned out in force to pledge support for a North Staffordshire housing group that has transformed homes and neighbourhoods, and provided life-changing opportunities for thousands of local people.  

Michelin Development's loans fund is proving the best deal in town for businesses after passing the £4m mark with a loan to a company involved in supplying the oil exploration market.  

Pub closures in the West Midlands have slowed significantly in recent months and across the country, over 50% of pubs are in growth as the UK as the pub is once again seen as the venue of choice, according to Staffordshire-based Punch Taverns.  

A flourishing independent financial advisers is diversifying into new markets after taking on four new employees.  

Lichfield and Cannock law firm Ansons Solicitors is entering a team of runners into the Lichfield 10 kilometre road race which takes place on Sunday 12th September.  

Children and adults alike will have a chance to play traditional Victorian children’s games at Shugborough this Bank Holiday.  

Staff at Keele University are trialling a brand new power-assisted bike this week, in a bid to reduce car use and carbon emissions on campus.  

Scores of business owners across the West Midlands and beyond will learn how to run their own PR campaigns after the expansion of a successful coaching programme.  

Ascom Wireless Solutions, the UK’s leading supplier of on-site wireless communications has secured a major three year contract in the healthcare market, following a link up with Lichfield-based Marketing Medicine by Life Science specialists myM-link.  

Lichfield law firms Ansons Solicitors and Hinckley Birch & Brown Solicitors have announced their merger.  

Stoke-based PR and marketing company Plinkfizz has been shortlisted for the prestigious Top Employers for Working Families awards 2010 run by leading national organisation Working Families.  

Leading building services provider Birchall has milked its first order in the Channel Islands by fitting out Europe’s most modern dairy.  

Ever since she was a child herself, Kirstie Prince, 19, of Alsager’s Bank, has always dreamed of looking after children. “We all have our dream job and everyone’s always told me I’m good with children. I used to look after my little cousins and the children of family friends.”  

A revolutionary approach to the foundations of new houses has put an East Staffordshire engineering firm in line to compete for a prestigious regional innovation prize.  

Staffordshire based Instem, a leading provider of early drug development software solutions, announced today that the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has purchased its Provantis® preclinical software solution for use in the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP) studies.  

One of the Midlands’ largest independent marketing agencies has been created by the merger of two leading businesses.  

The magnificent Shugborough Estate, near Stafford, has secured £10,000 of funding to open Patrick Lichfield’s private island garden and create a new sculpture trail.  

Retailers started their fight back against the trading recession on 8 August when they gathered at Hilton Hall, Staffordshire to launch the UK programme of Global Clearance Sales.  

The UK’s world leaders in ceramics are to take centre stage when a major exhibition shines the spotlight on the industry’s bright future.  

Stoke's newest MP and the Leader of the City Council have been getting to grips with Michelin's business in a tour of the tyre giant's Campbell Road site.  

Lichfield and Cannock law firm Ansons Solicitors is celebrating after winning two separate construction industry disputes.  

A Staffordshire-based Chamber of Commerce has thrown its weight behind a proposal to launch a Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).  

An innovative advertising agency has joined forces with a web design and programming company to create a new creative force in the West Midlands.  

Leading car dealership Knights BMW is celebrating a number of internal promotions after a successful year of business resulted in a substantial increase in sales.  

With oil and gas prices continually rising, the heating of large residences and farms is becoming increasingly more expensive with people looking to alternatives to conventional heating.  

Fine ale lovers are to embark on a package of tours thanks to a new partnership between Titanic Brewery and Bakers Coaches.  

A flourishing group for Staffordshire businesses has scooped a national award. The recently formed Staffordshire Business for Breakfast group won the Best Newcomer award at the group’s Directors’ 2010 conference.  

Michelin Development's Stoke Challenge to regional businesses is continuing to be met as a new firm set up in the industrial pollution control sector becomes the latest beneficiary of the loans fund.  

Staffordshire based CP Automated Lighting (Northern) Ltd, as part of its continued expansion, has appointed Sheryl Nathan to the position of Engineering Manager to oversee the company’s incorporation of new products in the design and commission of automated lighting control systems.  

The Future Jobs Fund (FJF) is having a major impact on young unemployed people in Stoke-on-Trent as they successfully turn their lives around.  

If you’ve been busy weeding the garden and you’re having a bit of a moan about your aching back, spare a thought for a team of farm workers in Shenstone who have just finished weeding 140 acres by hand!  

Port Vale footballer Marc Richards brought the Guildhall Shopping Centre to a virtual standstill by joining glamourous models on the catwalk to help a local children’s hospice.  

Familiar faces from the 1970s and 80s were back behind the bar as Titanic Brewery celebrated the opening of the Sun Inn, Stafford.  

SucceSS, the business and professional group within the Southern Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has appointed Neil Faunch of Ansons Solicitors as the new chairman of its young professionals group.  

West Midlander Jayne Ward-Lucey took over an ailing business and has turned it around in just a year, despite the recession.  

Stafford born brothers Keith and Dave Bott will fulfill an ambition with the re-opening of an historic Stafford pub.  

One of Britain’s leading social enterprise ambassadors has visited Stoke-on-Trent to celebrate the work of a local training organisation that provides real life chances for young people.  

A prominent regional housing association has notched up an impressive ‘first’ with its innovative use of cork as an eco-friendly insulating material.  

One of the Midlands premier radio stations is on the road in style after a deal with Staffordshire car dealership Knights BMW.  

Laura Raby, commercial property solicitor at Ansons Solicitors is warning tenants under commercial leases who are finding the current economic climate tough that although many leases contain a break clause, unless the break clause is exercised correctly then the landlord may have the legal right to prevent the tenant from vacating.  

Two key appointments were announced today by Burton & District Chamber of Commerce (BDCC), part of Birmingham Chamber Group.  

A leading personal injuries lawyer today warned that new moves by UK insurance companies could lead to people failing to get the compensation they need to put their lives back on track.  

Tamworth-based Forensic Pathways chief executive Deb Leary has returned from the two-day United Nations Global Compact Leaders Summit in New York and declared: “Now is the time for ‘good business.”  

A hard hitting anti-binge drinking campaign has led to further recognition for award winning agency Grisdale Lesniak Swann.  

St. Modwen, the UK’s leading regeneration specialist has successfully secured the sale of the final property at its Centre 500 industrial and distribution scheme in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.  

Focusing efforts to encourage retail development in Staffordshire’s towns and cities could help the area emerge from the commercial property downturn, according to a leading industry expert.  

A Stoke-on-Trent teenager who creates metal sculptures has won the title of the West Midlands Apprentice of the Year 2010.  

Inspirational figures from the business world are among the high achievers to be honoured as part of Staffordshire University Awards Ceremonies next month.  

Flower power is back in vogue in Staffordshire. But there’s no sign of flares, tank-tops or hippies – just a glorious display of beautiful blooms throughout the gardens and balconies at a Lichfield retirement village.  

An energetic new housing programme has been launched in North Staffordshire to provide homes and badly-needed community facilities for hundreds of residents.  

It was a case of past meets present as the Keele Conferences & Events team played host to a spectacular Honda car showcase at Keele Hall.  

CP Automated Lighting (Northern) Ltd based in Sugnall, Staffordshire has just completed the first phase of a major project in Canary Wharf, London to install an energy efficient lighting control system for a large financial organisation.  

Bright sparks who want to slash their electric and gas bills - and reduce their carbon footprint - are being urged to attend a Staffordshire event to pick up tips on saving energy and switching suppliers.  

A new survey today gave hope for thousands of Staffordshire residents hit hard by the recession.  

Designers at award winning agency Grisdale Lesniak Swann have helped South Cheshire College take a massive leap into the future  

With the start of the World Cup internet service provider Internet Central is warning businesses to be prepared for the potential problems they may incur when employees go online and watch World Cup matches on work computers.  

Two accountants from a Staffordshire firm are celebrating a great start to the summer after both picked up promotions. Gary Chadwick and Matt Jordan have both been promoted from Managers to Directors at DJH Accountants Ltd.  

Seventy Three Design has announced a significant increase in clients looking for new ways to market their way out of the economic gloom and shine above their competition.  

Following hot on the heels of promoting Green Office Week to the local business community in April, Staffordshire office supplies company Fenns is doing even more for the environment by pledging financial support to Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.  

Stafford’s largest shopping attraction has risen five places in an independent index of shopping centres, after increasing revenue by almost 20% through the recession.  

A Midlands based Information Technology company is celebrating its first year of trading.  

Lichfield and Cannock law firm, Ansons Solicitors is continuing to expand its commercial property department with the recruitment of an additional commercial property solicitor.  

How to make car salesman appealing is the latest challenge for innovative advertising agency Grisdale Lesniak Swann.  

A care home near Burton-on-Trent has been making sure that the services it offers to the local community are “dementia friendly.”  

A social enterprise which tackles worklessness among young people today threw a major lifeline to Staffordshire businesses that are financially struggling to recruit and retain skilled employees.  

Lichfield architects Brownhill Hayward Brown have won the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Building Conservation Award for the repair and conservation of a 17th Century Malthouse located within the grounds of Harvington Hall, a Grade I listed Manor House in Worcestershire dating back to the 14th Century.  

A Stoke car dealership is offering their customers premium coffee when they buy their premium cars.  

Walton Homes has launched its first new development of 2010. Carisbrooke House - the second and final phase of Greenway Park in Tamworth - has been released to the market this week.  

Kevin Harris-James, a member of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, joins Beswicks from national law firm Irwin Mitchell.  

As changes aimed at speeding up the process of road traffic accident personal injury claims are now beginning to take effect, Adam Penn of Ansons Solicitors is warning that not taking legal advice could mean victims settle for less compensation than they should ultimately be entitled to.  

A landmark collaboration between three independent housing associations is to create six life-changing apprenticeships in North Staffordshire.  

Titanic Brewery has produced a special beer to celebrate a Staffordshire pub landlady's appearance on a top TV quiz show.  

Body-hugging lycra and bulging biceps are not strictly necessary at a Staffordshire gym which caters specifically for people aged 55 and over who want to stay fit and active.  

Independent financial adviser Kevin Jenkins of Lichfield based Key Financial Management has launched a range of free financial guides.  

Sinead Butters, Chief Executive of the Aspire Group, has been appointed Chair of the North Area Social Housing Forum (NASHF).  

An octogenarian teddy bear has become an unlikely on-line icon.  

One of North Staffordshire’s premier car dealerships has invested a quarter of a million pounds in the development of a new bodyshop, creating six jobs for the region.  

A bright idea has set the wind of change blowing through a Staffordshire city where a housing association is investing in energy technology and boosting its green credentials.  

Award winning manufacturer, Wade Ceramics Ltd, has marked its 200th anniversary by moving into a new purpose built factory within Etruria Valley, part of the 300 acre Business Park being developed by Stoke-on-Trent Regeneration, a joint venture between St. Modwen and Stoke City Council.  

Marathon running company boss Nathan Walton has gone the extra mile to help Stoke City manager Tony Pulis climb Mount Kilimanjaro.  

Simon James, senior partner at Ansons Solicitors has been profiled within the 2010 Legal Experts directory for his agriculture and estates expertise.  

The repair and conservation of a 17th Century Grade II listed malthouse by leading Midlands architects Brownhill Hayward Brown has been shortlisted for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Awards 2010.  

Hayley Kennedy, Partner at Beswicks Solicitors has recently advised International Piping Products (IPP Group) on the acquisition of a 35,278 sq ft light industrial unit at Centre 38 Barton Under Needwood for £1.75 million. This will become the European hub for the global manufacturing company.  

Administrators from the Stoke on Trent office of business recovery specialists Begbies Traynor say they are confident for the future of Barlaston’s world-renowned Wedgwood Museum, which has gone into administration.  

Staffordshire based Freedom Brewery, England’s first lager only microbrewery, has appointed Willoughby PR to handle its forthcoming product launches.  

For the first time ever, a dawn chorus walk is being led around the magnificent Shugborough Estate, near Stafford.  

Green Office Week which takes place across the UK from 26-30 April is being supported by local office supplies firm Fenns, who have lots of special green initiatives taking place during the week  

A new web based service designed to put businesses on the right track to success has been launched.  

First Class Technologies is celebrating a 10 year working relationship with one of MAN UK’s leading commercial vehicle repair centres, Aquila Truck Centres.  

Lovers of real ale are helping to fund good causes thanks to the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent and Titanic Brewery.  

Cannock and Lichfield law firm Ansons Solicitors is celebrating the appointment of a new residential property solicitor.  

Residents of a Staffordshire retirement village are banking on the success of a new venture which is helping them save for a rainy day.  

On 30th March Lichfield District Council and Ansons Solicitors jointly hosted a seminar organized by the West Midlands Region of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) to consider the implications of the new Planning Policy Statement 4 (PPS4) using Lichfield City as a case study.  

The world renowned Shakespeare’s Globe is coming to the magnificent Shugborough Estate for the first time ever.  

A leading board member of the National Housing Federation has added her weight to the debate about lack of graduate opportunities in housing associations, saying more openings need to be made.  

With Chancellor Alistair Darling announcing a green investment fund worth £2bn in the budget last month, office supplies company Fenns is urging local businesses to think about investing in their own green future.  

Plans to recognise the very best of the professional services sector have been unveiled at the Annual General Meeting and Spring Lunch of finest.  

A leading fancy dress sales specialist has launched a crusade to encourage more children to use their imagination.  

Staff at a Midlands based commercial kitchen design and installation company are celebrating the company’s fifth year of trading.  

The UK’s leading regeneration specialist, St. Modwen, has announced its Centre 38 scheme in Barton has been selected as the European hub for a global manufacturing company, which has purchased a 35,278 sq ft light industrial unit at the Staffordshire business park for £1.75 million.  

Walton Homes has announced the imminent launch of its first new development of 2010; Carisbrooke House, located at Greenway Park off Peelers Way in Two Gates, Tamworth.  

A thriving Staffordshire brewery is set to revive the fortunes of an historic Stafford pub.  

Two solicitors from Cannock and Lichfield law firm Ansons Solicitors are running this year’s London Marathon in aid of two worthwhile causes.  

An innovative marketing company is making strides into the further education sector after signing up several colleges and universities.  

Demand for high quality IT support services has increased as a result of the economic downturn, according to IT specialists ARC IT Solutions.  

A web partnership between local Office Supplies Company Fenns and Stoke City Football club is proving to be a great success in 2010.  

Celebrations were in full swing as a Staffordshire training provider crowned its 10,000th learner.  

Cheshire’s rail, car and truck plants are being urged to attend special free hearing clinics.  

Keele Conferences & Events is celebrating its second win in the last two months as the team picked up a trio of awards at The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO) Food Service Skills Challenge 2010, following on from its success at the Meetings & Incentive Travel (M&IT) Awards in February.  

Local accountants DJH Accountants Ltd are warning those earning over £150,000 across Staffordshire and Cheshire, including our local footballing heroes, to be prepared as the current financial year comes to an end and a sharp increase in their tax bills come into force.  

A collaboration between Stoke-on-Trent College, JobCentre Plus and TJ Hughes has helped more than 100 unemployed people back into work.  

A Staffordshire training provider today announced a landmark partnership which will create up to 100 apprenticeships for local young people.  

Lichfield and Cannock law firm, Ansons Solicitors, has raised over £1,700 for its designated charity St Giles Hospice.  

More than 150 would-be entrepreneurs took the first step to setting up in business this week at the first Jet Get Set for Business enterprise event.  

Top networking event Business for Breakfast is set to make its debut in Staffordshire - the event is set to be a regular fixture at the Best Western Stoke-on-Trent Moat House Hotel at Festival Park, Stoke-on-Trent on Thursday mornings from 6.45am to 8.30am, and at the Hatherton Country House Hotel, Penkridge, on Tuesday Mornings from 6.45am to 8.30am  

Staffordshire Internet Service Provider (ISP) Internet Central, is one of 10 companies chosen by BT across the United Kingdom to trial their latest high speed internet technology Annex M.  

Regeneration leaders in North Staffordshire are to invest more than £½ million to develop a new enterprise culture and encourage local people to set up their own businesses.  

An innovative new design from a UK based dust control company is set to cut blockages and speed up production for major manufacturers across a range of industries.  

The UK’s best upstairs downstairs experience is set to become the nation’s best Easter day out as spring has finally sprung at the Shugborough Estate.  

A Staffordshire based business coach has been labelled ‘Action Man’ by his fellow coaches after guiding 30 businesses to greater success over the past year.  

A Staffordshire trainer who has helped thousands of women in their careers and personal development has been short-listed for a prestigious award recognising the impact of women in business.  

Visitors are being encouraged to put their feet up and test out the beds at Shugborough’s newest attraction – a completely recreated servants’ bedroom.  

Internet Central, a Staffordshire IT company which last month saw it opening a new data centre, is continuing its successful growth with the appointment of Phill Thorley as Sales Development Manager.  

Expanding PR agency Richard Swancott Associates has moved to new premises and added to their workforce to help satisfy demand for their PR workshops.  

With only a handful of weeks left until the end of the tax year on April 5, a Midlands based IFA is advising people to consider their investment choices carefully.  

Hundreds of vulnerable people in Newcastle-under-Lyme will get extra support as Aspire Housing secures a bumper contract with Staffordshire County Council.  

A system installed by Staffordshire IT specialists ARC IT Solutions has helped a client rake in almost £1.5m in sales at this year’s Spring Fair.  

Staffordshire house builder Walton Homes has announced that the winner of its unprecedented £100,000 ‘Win An Apartment’ competition at Radbrook Rise in Corby is local couple, Mr and Mrs Jordan.  

Staffordshire County Council is extending the rent freeze for companies at the council's 13 business centres for another year.  

The vast majority of UK businesses within the service sector need to be aware that they fall under a new set of regulations brought in via a European directive.  

Stoke-on-Trent based Titanic Brewery has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award in recognition of its growing fleet of community pubs.  

The demise of the local high street has seen independent retailers such as bakers, grocers and even boutique clothes shops losing out to supermarkets. Recent figures revealed 14% of shops in Birmingham were empty. But now a Midlands businessman is embarking on a one-man crusade to save our towns.  

An innovative North Staffordshire scheme to tackle long term unemployment has been hailed a major success as it celebrates its first anniversary.  

Staffordshire solicitors Beswicks are inviting local photographers to share their favourite photographs of nature in the county in our 2010 photography competition.  

A 50-year-old firm of chartered accountants has moved offices after half a century based in the same building in Cannock.  

Walton Homes has announced that all of the plots on its prized Willowmead development in the traditional Staffordshire village of Stapenhill are now released and available for sale, following a series of recent sales.  

A celebration ale will be launched on Friday as the director's of award winning Titanic Brewery have an appointment with royalty.  

Thursday 28th January saw the latest young professionals networking event take place at the Après Bar, Lichfield.  

More staff at the UK's leading theme park resort will soon be able to gain professional qualifications through the expansion of a partnership with Stoke on Trent College.  

Charities and Voluntary organisations across Stoke-on-Trent are getting a New Year business boost thanks to local company Fenns Office Supplies and Voluntary Action Stoke-on-Trent (VAST) who have joined forces in a new venture aimed at helping members of VAST save money.  

A new restaurant has opened in Burton town centre, bringing a fresh lease of life to a fine building and a first class experience to diners.  

The government has announced that National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) will be the new name for personal accounts, which is the compulsory workplace pension scheme due for national launch in 2012.  

Blackberry maintenance experts ARC IT Solutions and telecommunications company The Consultancy Group are celebrating the fifth anniversary of a collaboration which has helped over 500 Blackberry users solve technical support problems.  

Staffordshire accountancy firm DJH Accountants Ltd is urging doctors and dentists across the region to consult with their accountants to ensure that all relevant income from previous tax years has been accounted for or they could face investigation, financial penalties and even criminal prosecution by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) following the launc  

Fenns, which supplies everything for the office from paperclips to complete office solutions and single source office supplies has now moved from its Duke Street office base in Stoke-on-Trent where it has been situated since the late 1800’s to new offices at Riverside Park on Campbell Road, Stoke-on-Trent.  

With the terrible weather meaning that getting away to the sun is very much on people’s minds, a new scheme that’s being supported by a local travel firm is attracting attention through an innovative link between holidays and charity fundraising.  

An award-winning Staffordshire farm is boosting its business and creating new jobs after securing support from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE).  

Forward-looking solicitors’ practice Myers and Co is strengthening its respected legal team with the appointment of a familiar face, Karen Coleman.  

Lovers of good beer can now join a special club launched by the award winning Titanic Brewery.  

Independent financial advisors ASC Financial Management have again teamed up with Arch North Staffordshire to host a fundraising golf day.  

A pioneering PR firm is using podcasting to providing budding entrepreneurs with insights on marketing and promotion from big-name business leaders.  

An established Staffordshire designer and supplier of giftware is reaching global markets – with help from UK Trade & Investment.  

Aspire Housing employees are getting a boost with the launch of a new Talent Academy.  

Music legend Jools Holland is coming to Shugborough, near Stafford, as part of the tourist attraction’s best ever events programme.  

Groove Academy one of North Staffordshire’s leading Dance Schools will have all of their customers dancing with a difference this week, in aid of the homeless in North Staffordshire this week.  

Cannock and Lichfield law firm, Ansons Solicitors is celebrating its senior partner’s 30th anniversary of being a qualified legal professional  

A fascinating collection of 2010 themed walks and evenings has been launched by the Shugborough Estate, near Stafford.  

St. Modwen has reported a sell out success at Trentham Office Village after securing a lease on the final property at the popular office location.  

GAMES designers from around the world – including a local team from Staffordshire University – are set to take part in a 48-hour computer games creating blitz.  

Cannock and Lichfield law firm Ansons Solicitors is celebrating the appointment of an additional commercial property solicitor.  

Students enrolling on fast track degrees are performing better than students on equivalent three year degrees, a new study reveals.  

Demand for industrial and warehouse space at Fenton Trade Park is on the rise with over 26,000 sq ft of space occupied and a further 7,385 sq ft under offer at the development.  

Historian Dr David Starkey today made a passionate plea for funds to save the Staffordshire Hoard for the West Midlands  

Dengensha Europe the European sales and subsidiary of Dengensha Manufacturing Ltd in Japan got the new year off to a positive start with the official opening of a new training centre and machine showroom at their head office in Shenstone, Staffordshire.  

An innovative community enterprise is leading the way after being named a Housing Forum Demonstration Project.  

Stoke-based social enterprise PM Training has been named the top Entry to Employment provider in Staffordshire.  

Kevin Jenkins from Lichfield based IFA firm, Key Financial Management believes that the freezes in and removal of personal tax allowances and the rises in National Insurance (NI) make contributing into a pension more attractive for the majority of higher rate taxpayers.  

Beer lovers raised three cheers as Titanic Brewery saw out 2009 in style.  

Walton Homes has launched a new incentive scheme at its luxury apartment development in Mere Green, which covers the largest costs of moving, the estate agency fees.  

As we enter the busiest time of the year for divorce rates, Lichfield and Cannock law firm Ansons Solicitors is offering an initial free family law consultation to help people understand the implications of divorce.  

Cannock and Lichfield law firm Ansons Solicitors is celebrating Amanda Boulton’s, Rebecca Chilton’s and Angela Smith’s respective Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) exam passes.  

The Aspire Group, based in North Staffordshire, has become one of the first organisations in the country to be awarded the prestigious Social Enterprise Mark.  

Getting more young people involved in enterprise could help North Staffordshire combat an alarming rise in youth unemployment.  

County Council-run tourist attraction Shugborough is celebrating a bumper year after announcing its final event of the 2009 is officially sold out.  

ORS UK, the Midlands based office furniture recycling specialists, has released the results of its Office Furniture 4 Schools and Charities initiative for 2009.  

Lichfield based First Class Technologies has worked with Nether Stowe School to upgrade their ICT solutions. The improvements have enhanced the use of new technologies across the school helping to create a 21st Century learning environment.  

Fifteen staff from insurance specialists JSW braved a night in Britain’s most haunted gaol to raise funds for a children’s hospice.  

Cannock and Lichfield law firm, Ansons Solicitors is celebrating Sarah Popp’s achievement of completing 25 years within the legal profession.  

Clients of one of Tamworth's leading law firms can be extra confident the advice they receive is the best after the firm has yet again obtained prestigious 'mark of excellence' recognition from the Law Society.  

Sinead Butters, Chief Executive of the Aspire Group, has been appointed as a board member of the National Housing Federation, the body which represents 1,200 not-for-profit housing associations in England.  

Shugborough’s famous Candlelit Christmas Evenings are proving so popular, the estate is encouraging visitors to come and enjoy the experience as early as possible  

Cannock Chase Council joined major companies like Cadbury, Virgin Media, Marks & Spencer and Orange in scooping a prestigious national award at a recent ceremony which promotes excellence in communications.  

A leading PR company in Staffordshire has launched a unique new course to turn small businesses into mini PR machines.  

Two Staffordshire businessmen have launched a new brewery company to provide a range of original hand-crafted beers to the region’s pubs and bars.  

From 6th April 2010 the minimum age for taking a tax free income or lump sum from a personal pension will increase from 50 to 55 years of age.  

St Johns House, Lichfield’s premier and most luxurious bed and breakfast has been highly commended in two categories at The Midlands Business Awards.  

Ansons Solicitors is once again celebrating a strong performance in this year’s ‘The Legal 500’ directory.  

The last three months has seen the commercial property market in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent bounce back, with over 650,000 sq ft of industrial and distribution space successfully leased.  

A unique partnership designed to improve basic skills and provide NVQ qualifications to scores of DHL employees is to be expanded.  

Brick tinting pioneers Bebbington Brick Services will soon complete a major project to transform the appearance of a large red retail unit.  

A North Staffordshire printer has taken delivery of an unusual order – thousands of choral CDs.  

Over 3,500 tickets have been snapped up for Shugborough’s popular Candlelit Christmas Evenings more than two weeks ahead of the event.  

South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) has recently confirmed the re-appointments of three of its Non Executive Directors to the Trust Board.  

West Midlands-based Forensic Pathways has been crowned one of the top businesses in the country at the National Business Awards in London.  

Local motorist James Broad is enjoying the use of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class for a year after a visit to Mercedes-Benz Tamworth’s Efficiency Weekend led to him winning a national prize draw held by the manufacturer.  

Health and safety officials could put a damper on Christmas for many shops and businesses in the West Midlands this year if they decide to crack down on untested fairy lights and Father Xmas figures.  

Customers at a Stoke-on-Trent pub embarked on a fund raising voyage to support the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI).  

Shugborough, Staffordshire’s jewel in the crown tourist attraction, has been heralded as one of the best cultural experiences in the West Midlands.  

Despite the recession an entrepreneurial Staffordshire mother and daughter team have just opened a new sandwich shop with a difference in Stafford.  

A taste of Christmas past is on the menu as a famous city hotel undergoes a major revival.  

Former 30-a-day cigarette smoker Richard Jephcott has helped launch a new service for people who want to quit smoking after undergoing revolutionary new treatment.  

More than 15 manufacturing jobs have been retained in North Staffordshire after InStaffs and Advantage West Midlands joined forces to help Langley Alloys relocate to new premises at Centre 500.  

Business insurance specialist, JSW Insurance Services, has launched a new website aimed at exterminating pest controllers’ insurance difficulties.  

Stoke-on-Trent based Titanic Brewery was today toasting a prestigious award for its innovative work with a major supermarket group.  

Enjoy some early festive spirit and stock up on those essential gifts at a tremendous Craft and Food Show at Shugborough.  

Businesses in the West Midlands are being urged to take advantage of an invaluable opportunity to meet top level trade experts on 11 Asian countries.  

Quality, pre-owned cars have never been in such short supply – a fact which should ensure Mercedes-Benz Tamworth’s October Approved Used Event is going to generate plenty of interest among local motorists.  

Dust off your broomsticks as Shugborough prepares for its squealiest Halloween ever.  

The award winning attraction Drayton Manor Park will be starting its 60th Anniversary celebrations with a spectacular firework and laser display.  

St. Modwen’s North Staffordshire office challenged employees and business contacts to raise at least £10,000 in 2009 for the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice in Stoke on Trent by completing the Three Peaks Challenge. They have significantly exceeded the target with £11,842 raised to date.  

A Stoke-on-Trent designer and maker of high quality porcelain tableware has landed a deal to sell her products across the USA – with help from UK Trade & Investment.  

Forensic Pathways, the UK’s award winning forensic and analytics company, has been shortlisted for a National Business Award for the way it uses innovative technology.  

A Lichfield woman who dumped her stress inducing executive job to start a home business, is netting customers all over the world - and she’s now looking for others she can share her business secrets with.  

Leading Midland architects Brownhill Hayward Brown have completed the first phase of an innovative ‘energy conscious’ community centre in Kingstanding, Birmingham.  

Successful inward investment in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire has helped create almost 1,000 jobs and safeguarded an additional 600 – despite the recession.  

Whilst many of the national law firms have made significant redundancies this year, Beswicks Solicitors continues to expand in Stoke-on-Trent and has appointed Stephen Taylor as a partner from Hammonds in Birmingham.  

A challenge launched 12 months ago by Michelin Development to North Staffordshire businesses to be more entrepreneurial has been met with some impressive results.  

St. Modwen, the UK’s leading regeneration specialist, has agreed a £3 million development for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service at the 400 acre Trentham Lakes Business Park in Stoke-on-Trent.  

St. Modwen, the UK’s leading regeneration specialist, has secured a 150 year ground lease at its Centre 500 industrial and distribution scheme in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.  

The exquisite artefact is the most fragile item to be exhibited as part of the estate’s Object of the Month scheme. The 2009 Object of the Month initiative sees rare pieces from Shugborough’s archive collection – which have never been on public display before – exhibited within the Mansion house’s state rooms.  

Game-keepers in Burton-upon-Trent are invited to a special workshop designed to help them develop their businesses.  

Despite the recent economic downturn, leading regional developer Cedar House Investments has sold another unit at Calico Business Park, its five and a half acre mixed-use development in Tamworth.  

A Stoke-based social enterprise is celebrating after it was awarded a prestigious place on a regional programme recognising inspirational enterprises.  

The UK’s latest ‘extra care’ village is complete and has opened its doors to its first residents.  

St. Modwen, the UK’s leading regeneration specialist, has announced the £10.7m sale of the investment in Stoke on Trent’s largest new build commercial office building.  

Business intelligence specialist Ardentia has announced its 2008 annual results, reporting continued growth, with its healthcare operations increasing by 35%.  

A new loyalty card scheme launched by a Midlands entrepreneur for the equine industry has just signed up International Event Rider Oliver Townend.  

Nick Phillips, a former in-house lawyer at Michelin Tyre PLC, returns to Stoke-on-Trent from Liverpool to join Beswicks Solicitors as a partner.  

The downturn in the housing market is providing a Staffordshire firm with an innovative solution to creature comforts.  

The Chief Executive of Cannock Chase Council met with leading figures from the West Midlands Task Force to discuss the impact of the recession in the District.  

Regional development agency Advantage West Midlands is working alongside key regeneration partners in Staffordshire to start rolling out a tailored package of economic measures to support market towns worst affected during the recession.  

Gallan Group has completed the first phase of its high profile £20 million Gallan Park mixed-use scheme on Watling Street, Cannock – a 70,000 sq ft industrial warehouse pre-let to German forward freight giant Rhenus Logistics.  

Kitchen and catering staff at South Staffordshire’s two community hospitals are celebrating after being awarded five stars for hygiene and cleanliness standards.  

Spanish owned translation specialists, OH2 International, has recently opened its first UK office, and first office outside of Spain, at North Staffordshire’s Keele University Science and Business Park.  

Burton College has been awarded the Training Quality Standard (TQS) in recognition of the quality of provision offered by its employer engagement service.  

Samantha Goode, a Stoke based NHS Careers Officer, has supported a total of 90 local jobseekers back into work in less than 12 months, 73 of whom have started a career within health and social care.  

Bosses in the West Midlands are being warned that new grievance laws could lead to a flood of tribunal claims, with huge penalties for companies already under siege from the recession.  

LA international are extremely delighted to be awarded the Industries Best IT Recruitment Firm in this years Recruiter Awards for Excellence 2009 in which judges from top industry sectors praised LA international for being an all round, mature, professional business.  

St. Modwen, the UK’s leading regeneration specialist, has announced record visitor figures at The Trentham Estate and Gardens  

A leading Staffordshire commercial property lawyer has joined Else Commercial Solicitors as head of property.  

An innovative new system that will save any business or organisation large sums of money and significantly reduce their carbon footprint when investing in IT equipment has been unveiled by a Hilton-based company.  

Businesses in South Staffordshire can now quickly find out about grants and funding through a free-to-use website called South Staffordshire 4 Business.  

A Stoke-on-Trent firm is protecting shipping crews on some of the most dangerous seas in the world from pirate attacks - with support from UK Trade & Investment.  

Already four times finalist and winners LA International are extremely delighted to be short listed at this years 2009 Recruiter Awards for Excellence in two categories –- Best Public Sector Recruitment firm and Best IT Recruitment Firm.  

Gazeley Developments has just raised the bar for sustainable industrial development by achieving a world first BREEAM Outstanding award for their 385,000sqft logistics centre at Chatterley Valley, North Staffordshire.  

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is inviting designers to come to the North Staffordshire Medical Institute, Harshill Road, Stoke-on-Trent next month (21 May 2009) to find out how they can prevent many of the routine health and safety issues faced by contractors.  

A Staffordshire manufacturing company is set to clinch two export contracts worth over £250,000 after taking part in a global food and drink technology event, with help from UK Trade & Investment.  

Oxford Software are pleased to announce a new and exciting partnership with Zeel Solutions, market leaders in Travel & Subsistence solutions. Tempaid, a pay and bill solution offered by Oxford Software will now seamlessly integrate with Ztravelex – a revolutionary, purpose built recruitment Travel & Subsistence solution, developed by Zeel Solutions.