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 Council Supporting Care Leavers into Employment Awards, with judges, praising them for providing a ‘wealth of mentorship, life skills, qualifications, and so much more’. 

Based in Hanley, the Spark Group works collaboratively with clients, partners, and employers to provide a broad range of education and contracting services.  

Managing Director and company founder Dan Canavan said: “The Shared Prosperity Fund is the government’s vehicle to support local investment and projects, so to be chosen to evaluate the Stoke-on-Trent projects is a landmark win for our company.”  

“We have a team who are skilled in the development, management, and evaluation of public and private sector projects. Going forward, we will be looking to work with organisations in these areas. We also provide a bid writing service.” 

The Spark Group had to compete for the contract from Stoke-on-Trent City Council in a competitive tendering exercise. 

Dan, who previously led a large team as Director at Staffordshire-based Achieve Training and PM Training, works alongside Business Manager, Debbie Sturridge, Operations Director, Chris Wilshaw, and Construction Tutor and Assessor, Brian Pepper.

The team was described as ‘a true spark for change’ by judges at the Staffordshire care leavers awards. They were recognised as a Pathway Pioneer and scooped the 2025 Above and Beyond award.

The Spark Group provides construction training opportunities for care leavers at its workshop at Westmill Street, Hanley.

The judges said: “The Above and Beyond Award for 2025 goes to The Spark Group. An enormous thank you to 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.”

While the citation for the Pathway Pioneer success read: “From the very beginning, The Spark Group set out to show us the many different ways care-experienced young people can be supported—and they’ve delivered with heart, innovation, and unwavering commitment. Their offer has been transformational, providing a wealth of mentorship, life skills, qualifications, and so much more.

“What truly sets The Spark Group apart is the welcoming, uplifting environment they’ve created. It’s a space where young people feel safe enough to be themselves, where laughter and learning go hand in hand. Their dedication has been nothing short of amazing, and nothing has ever been too much to ask.”

To find out more about the Spark Group, please go online to www.thespark.group.

ENDS

 With pic: The Spark Group team, Debbie Sturridge, Brian Pepper, and Dan Canavan, with Cllr Martin Murray,Staffordshire County Council Deputy Leader, and Cabinet member for economy and skills