A short round-up of PR highlights from Howle Communications in 2025.

The year got off to a good start with Darren Kirby, of SyTech IT, announcing two new apprentices at the company’s offices in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent.

As they embarked on their 15th anniversary year, Central Glass and Windows moved into new offices and workshops in Hanley, giving the firm more room for growth.

In March, the Hanley Economic Building Society launched a new mortgage exclusively for renters in the ST postcode area. The unique mortgage allowed any Staffordshire tenant with proof of 12 monthly rental payments a chance to get on the housing ladder without a deposit. 

Mental health campaigner Adam Parkes revealed training had been given to create 60 mental health first aiders in Biddulph. Adam won the support of Biddulph Town Council to fund training for people in the town.

North Staffordshire creatives Dave Hide and Nick Pilgrim launched a joint initiative creating ‘media days’ for local companies. The photographer and film maker unveiled a package deal giving companies 10 to 50 short pieces of video content and 20 to 100 edited photographs, ideal for marketing campaigns and social media.

In June, the Spark Group, led by Dan Canavan, announced new property maintenance apprenticeships at its Hanley headquarters working with Performance Through People.

July saw the launch of an inter-generational project at Loui’s Kitchen, in Newcastle-under-Lyme. The Tuesday Club offered free lunches each Tuesday ,with the meal made and served by young people from the Keele-based Caudwell Children charity.

In August, Sixtowns Waste owner Ben Trickett reported major business growth, breaking monthly turnover records.

More good news followed, with Best of British Beer, a Staffordshire business which started with a car boot full of beer bought from a local brewery, is on course for a £3.5 million turnover in 2025/26.

There was a party in September to celebrate the retirement of David Nicholson following a long and successful career in financial services. David passed on the reins to son-in-law Danny Hattersley, with Nicholson Wealth Management becoming known as Danny Hattersley Financial Planning.

October saw the launch of Constellation by Staffordshire-based organisational psychologist and business owner, Danny Wareham. The book quickly became an Amazon best seller with its mission to “reimagine leadership for a connected age.” Constellation is the first of its kind to look at a leadership model without a leader, where a purposeful culture allows all team members to contribute towards success. It is aimed at both academics and the business community. .

The Spark Group were in the news again in November, scooping two awards from the Staffordshire County Council Supporting Care Leavers into Employment programme.  They were recognised as a Pathway Pioneer and scooped the 2025 Above and Beyond award with the citation stating ‘Dan, Chris, Brian, and Debbie — your passion, creativity, and commitment have made a lasting impact. You are helping to shape futures, and tonight we celebrate everything you’ve done and continue to do.’

Lizzie Ward, MD of SAS Water Ltd, created her own sparks. She won recognition with her election onto the national Legionella Control Association governing body.

Chef Cris Cohen made a triumphant return to the Staffordshire culinary scene. Cris launched HIDDEN, a unique fine dining experience. HIDDEN is a very special experience. Eight to 10 guests sit around a long table in Cris’ chef’s kitchen at the Spode works, Stoke, while the acclaimed chef, with the help of his brother and his son, prepares a unique menu in front of them.

As the year came towards an end, David Williams offered inspiration. We told the story of how David fought back from personal tragedy to support leading UK and international companies. David, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, an acclaimed life and leadership strategist, international speaker, and two times number one bestselling author, says ‘my mission, is to empower people to break through limitations and unlock their true potential – we can all strive to thrive and not just exist.’   Now David is looking to offer more services for Staffordshire companies.