2025: Review of the Year

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 …

Service expansion for growing North Staffordshire business with a little help from their building trade friends

With pic: Ben Trickett at Marsh View, Meir Heath. A company’s expansion into house refurbishment has led to work for at least seven North Staffordshire businesses on just one job. Now Sixtowns Waste has started a second refurbishment project and has won a contract providing maintenance work for Stoke-on-Trent City Council. It’s fantastic news for Sixtowns Waste which has grown …

“We can all strive to thrive not just exist” – acclaimed peak performance coach turns his focus to North Staffordshire after fighting back from personal tragedy

An acclaimed life and leadership strategist, international speaker, and two times number one bestselling author who fought back from personal tragedy to support leading UK and international companies has set his sights on helping business owners in Staffordshire. Dave Williams was on the brink of suicide after losing his partner from sudden heart failure. Determination to lead, and to honour …

Budget 2025: Reaction on apprenticeships, pubs, and pensions

Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, today delivered her Budget. Here are some early reactions. Steve Rushton, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire apprenticeship ambassador and Managing Director of Training and Business Solutions Ltd said the Budget offered hope for younger adults. “The Chancellor’s Budget announcement that apprenticeships for under-25s will be fully funded for small and medium-sized businesses is a hugely …

Delight for Stoke-on-Trent’s Spark Group with major contract win and awards successes

Growing Stoke-on-Trent business, the Spark Group, has won a contract to evaluate the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) projects in Stoke-on-Trent.  The contract is a major step forward for the Hanley based business, founded in 2023 to inspire young people into work.  The SPF success comes as the Spark Group celebrates recognition in two categories at the Staffordshire County …

SAS Water MD Lizzie elected to national legionella role

A Staffordshire business leader has been elected on to the ruling body of a national industry body on water safety in the workplace. Lizzie Ward, Managing Director of SAS Water Ltd, attended her first meeting as a member of the Legionella Control Association (LCA) national committee in mid-November. The LCA sets standards for companies working to monitor and control water …

Chef Cris Cohen triumphs on return to the Potteries’ culinary scene

Deep inside the bones of a famous old Stoke-on-Trent pottery factory a hidden culinary wonder has emerged into the light. Award winning chef Cris Cohen has launched H I D D E N, a unique fine dining experience, to great acclaim. Cris announced a short run of special dining events on Thursday and Friday evenings, and Saturday lunchtimes, on the …

KMF announces the death of company founder Michael ‘Mick’ Higgins

The founder of multi-award-winning Staffordshire engineering company KMF has died at the age of 80. Michael Higgins passed away peacefully at UHNM following a short illness. His funeral will take place at Bradwell Crematorium at 12 noon on November 10th. The Higgins family have requested family flowers only and there will be a collection to support the University Hospital of …

Stoke Air Ambulance reaches major milestone as first helicopter is secured

Statement from CEO Phil Copeland. Just over three years since launching its appeal, Stoke Air Ambulance is proud to announce that it has agreed terms on its first helicopter, an AW109E Power to be called Jasper. This achievement marks a huge moment for the charity and for the people of Stoke-on-Trent and surrounding towns, whose incredible generosity and determination have …

Leading regeneration experts to address special North Staffordshire Society of Architects event celebrating Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary

An architect behind Stoke-on-Trent’s new Goods Yard development and a nationally renowned regeneration leader with roots in the Potteries will be the key speakers at an event looking at architecture in the city over 100 years. The North Staffordshire Society of Architects is staging a special event on Saturday, October 18, to mark the centenary of Stoke-on-Trent as a city. …