Charity delivered total of 325 gifts to children, teens and parents A family support charity in North Staffordshire helped 56 families enjoy an unexpected Christmas treat. The Alice Charity was determined that under-privileged families received at least one gift during the festive season. “We were struck by the fact that some families in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme could not even consider …

A major shake-up in pension legislation is causing public confusion and could leave older people out of pocket, a pensions expert has warned. Staff at Richard Jacob’s Pension Services say enquiries from people looking to cash in their pension pot are on the increase. They have even had calls from confused nurses who wrongly believe that they may benefit from …

Superfast broadband provider Keycom has gained accreditation from the Friendly WiFi scheme. The Friendly WiFi logo offers peace of mind to parents that their children can use internet services in public places without seeing pornographic or other unsuitable websites. Supported by the Government and children’s charities including the NSPCC, Friendly WiFi is the world’s first public WiFi accreditation scheme to …

Company: biTjAM, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.. Activity:        Digital development Mentor: Charles Oskwarek Programme: Let’s Do Mentoring From unorthodox beginnings as a digital music collective, biTjAM has evolved into an innovative technology business. Ben McManus and Carl Plant had been making music together for several years when they took the brave step of launching digital development business biTjAM. The company creates digital solutions …

Theatre mad digital entrepreneurs Rob Stanway and James Dawe have combined their passion for the stage and business to launch a national online magazine and guide to British theatre. At The Theatre (www.atthetheatre.co.uk) gives a comprehensive, independent guide to theatres and the productions they are staging. Launching in time for the festive Panto season, At The Theatre will also include …

A new not-for-profit networking group is being served up for North Staffordshire businesses by Titanic Brewery. Breakfast at the Brewery will be held monthly in the Sample Room at the Burslem brewery. Businesses will pay a meeting fee, but no joining or membership fee. The fee will cover room hire and breakfast and any money left over will be given …

A huge new washing machine, with 10 times the capacity of a household appliance, is driving growth at a North Staffordshire commercial laundry, Iron Maidens is set to create new jobs and double capacity in 2015 after showing 50 per cent growth in the past 12 months. Funding via the Michelin Development Fund and Business Enterprise has helped fuel growth. …

Simon Carlin has cooked up a recipe for success after taking on a dream opportunity to run a restaurant and café for Staffordshire Housing Group. Former sales manager Simon was among applicants when the Stoke based housing association offered the chance to a caterer to establish a business at the West End Village. After coming out of a contract with …

A Staffordshire business woman has had her achievements recognised by being shortlisted for a top IT industry award. Meri Braziel, Chief Executive at specialist broadband provider Keycom, has been named as one of the finalists in the Business Leader of the Year category for the Women in IT Awards. Meri joined Keycom in 2011 and has 25 years’ experience in …

A Potteries road steeped with history and folklore will come under the spotlight in a year long project. Acclaimed artist Dan Thompson is joining forces with community groups and Appetite to chronicle the life of London Road, Stoke. Dan is renowned for instigating the influential #riotcleanup project, will immerse himself in the local community as he compiles a history of …