Staffordshire businesses, makers and organisations have been showcased at the House of Commons as part of celebrations marking the tenth anniversary of Staffordshire Day.
The event, held on Tuesday 28 April 2026, also saw the launch of Made in Staffordshire, a new countywide accreditation scheme designed to promote businesses, makers and manufacturers connected to Staffordshire.
The event brought together producers, businesses and organisations from across the county, with MPs, ministers and national decision makers invited to see examples of Staffordshire’s manufacturing, creative, food, drink, culture and tourism sectors.
The Made in Staffordshire scheme is intended to give businesses greater visibility through shared promotion and a collective quality mark, while highlighting Staffordshire’s role in manufacturing, creativity and local economic growth.
Aspro Studios, a Staffordshire gifting business, is among the first to join the initiative.
Founder Kay Vassiliou said
“The Made in Staffordshire initiative connects me more deeply with a vibrant, supportive community of creatives and makers, opening up events and opportunities through collective branding, and helping elevate our voice and visibility beyond what we could achieve alone.”
A Staffordshire marketplace at the event highlighted organisations and businesses from sectors including advanced manufacturing, research, education, tourism, food and drink.
Those taking part included GE Vernova, JCB, Keele University, Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, The New Vic Theatre, Lucideon, St George’s Park, Titanic Brewery and Woolcool.
Stone was represented at the event by both Lucideon and Woolcool – both who reside on Stone Business Park.
Three roundtable discussions were also held during the event. They looked at pride of place and economic growth, the value of skills and learning to business and productivity, and the launch of an “interview promise” for care experienced young people, aimed at improving access to employment opportunities.
Hannah Ault, Chair of We Are Staffordshire, said
“As Chair of We Are Staffordshire, I was incredibly proud to see Staffordshire showcased at the heart of Parliament as we celebrate ten years of Staffordshire Day. I was especially proud for my own business to be there representing our world-renowned ceramics industry, giving MPs the opportunity to have a go with clay, a material that sits at the very roots of Staffordshire’s identity, heritage and global reputation.
“Events like this are so important in raising awareness of everything Staffordshire has to offer, from advanced manufacturing and innovation to creativity, skills and investment opportunities. The launch of Made in Staffordshire is a powerful way to champion our businesses, strengthen pride of place and showcase our county on the national stage.”
Martin Murray, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said
“We are proud to showcase Staffordshire as the beating heart of the country. Our county is the nation’s playground and a prime location for major business investment, with its mix of heritage, creativity, skills and innovation.
Bringing our businesses and partners to Parliament has enabled us to celebrate everything that makes Staffordshire special, whilst demonstrating where we are heading and the opportunities the county offers.”
Staffordshire Day is celebrated each year on 1 May, marking the date Josiah Wedgwood opened his factory in Burslem in 1759.
