North Staffordshire bids to attract new business

HUNDREDS of new jobs are set for North Staffordshire after the creation of a new business investment programme.

The Make It Stoke-on-Trent Investment Development Service is led by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Supported by more than £415,000 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the city council, the programme is designed to raise the profile of the area and provide a package of support measures to new business.

Councillor Mark Meredith, city council cabinet member for economic development, said: “The Make It Stoke-on-Trent Investment Development team is providing a red carpet service for potential investors to the area.

“North Staffordshire has a lot to offer and with the current regeneration such as the city’s new bus station, the redevelopment of a £350m regional shopping centre and the first phases of an extensive business district it is important that we are able to attract and support investment.

“The ERDF funds will provide an added resource to promote the area on a wider scale helping to reach international audiences.”  

Mark Foley, director of European programmes at Advantage West Midlands stressed the importance of ERDF support to this area.

“Through the ERDF programme £12m of support has been allocated to the North Staffordshire area and this programme is just one example of how this money is being invested,” he said.

“Attracting new businesses to the area is essential to building a prosperous future and new investment brings new jobs and opportunities for local people – a key goal for the ERDF programme.”

White a traditional centre for the pottery industry, the city council is keen to show potential businesses that the area has a lot more to offer.