Tea room opens its doors to combat loneliness this Christmas

A Gnosall tea room is to throw open its doors to people who face a Christmas alone. Lily’s Secret Vintage Tea Room will provide free coffee, mince pies, Christmas music and a fun festive quiz on Friday, December 23. The tea room, which is tucked away inside Swan Pit Nursery, Gnosall, will be open between 10am and 1pm for people …

Inspired celebrate a decade of growth and innovation

Inspired Film and Video is celebrating a decade of growth and innovation which has seen the company gain a major domestic and international reputation. Films by Stoke based Inspired now feature on television across the globe and the company has helped to promote their home city through a series of award winning documentaries. Inspired’s work for business, charities and in …

Kate teaches the world to dance at international Salsa slam

A Stafford and Stone dance teacher taught pupils from across the word to Salsa at a dance convention on Jersey. Kate Beauchamp was among a handpicked list of instructors for the world-renowned Jersey Salsa Slam – and she took along 28 local dancers to join in the fun. Kate, of the Groove Academy, is the only instructor to be asked …

Simon Chubb launches his first book after drawing up a successful career as a cartoonist

Cartoonist Simon Chubb is launching his first book – just months after giving up a full time teaching career to become a cartoonist. “Dad, Seriously” is an exploration of the funny side of parenting and gives an affectionate nod to Simon’s relationship with his own teenage children and former pupils. Simon, from Newcastle-under-Lyme taught in Staffordshire schools for 20 years …

Employers warned of fines as auto enrolment reaches a peak

Fines for businesses who fail to provide pension schemes are rising with four times more companies facing fixed penalty notices. A total of 3,728 fixed penalty notices, where companies are fined £400, were issued between July and September, compared to 861 between April and June. Auto enrolment is now believed to be reaching a peak and this has resulted in …

Strategi for success sees more jobs, growth and a new office

An ambitious professional services company has added new senior staff and rebranded to reflect the wider range of services on offer. Entrepreneur and people management expert Wendy Dean has overseen rapid growth since founding Strategi-hr just 16 months ago. Moving forward, the company will be branded as the Strategi Solutions Group, while three executive level appointments have broadened the services …

International recognition for Staffordshire business coach Penny Whitelock

An international business coach and Staffordshire company director has been shortlisted for a major award.   Penny Whitelock, Director of Learning and Development at Strategi-hr, has been shortlisted in the Executive Coach of the Year category at the Coaching Academy, the largest international organisation of its kind.   Penny works primarily at board room and director level providing coaching for …