Living And Working In Stoke-on-Trent

The city of Stoke on Trent is situated in Staffordshire which is in central England. It is approximately 170 miles from London. Nearby cities include Derby, Wolverhampton, Birmingham and Manchester. The nearest airport to Stoke on Trent is in Manchester which is around 25 miles away and there are plenty of regular rail services from Stoke to London. You can be there in considerably less than two hours  if travelling by rail whereas an average drive will take a little more than three hours.

Stoke on Trent was famous for its pottery industry from the 1700’s when small factories started to appear. As time went by, a number of well established and well known companies were set up. These include household names such as Wedgewood, Spode and later on Doulton. As with most towns and cities, the introduction of the railways helped with trade enormously as it was considerably more efficient than using the canal. Mining was also a prominent part of the economy and was a major employer but now the mines are just a distant memory. Fast forward to modern times and Stoke on Trent is still acclaimed for ceramics which it is still producing and selling all over the world!

The city boasts a strong and diverse economy which benefits from a mix of long established and emerging industries and has a very strong manufacturing presence, supported by several successful manufacturing companies. Other sectors include logistics and distribution which is currently booming. Construction is another key sector which is supported by ongoing development projects and increasing investments in both infrastructure and housing. Professional, scientific and technical includes a wide range of businesses, from consultancy services to scientific research. It benefits from the presence of institutions like Keele University’s Science and Innovation Park which fosters research and innovation. The city is fast developing as a centre for creative and digital innovation with a growing cluster of businesses. The support from local educational institutions helps to nurture talent and provides a strong foundation for this sector’s growth.

The city has seen remarkable increases in employment which is a strong indicator of economic vitality and business expansion. There is a recognisable entrepreneurial spirit within the city and many companies have been established in recent years. Of course, local universities play a crucial role in supporting the economy through research and initiatives. The Staffordshire University Innovation Enterprise Zone and Keele University Science And Innovation Park both provide vital resources and collaboration opportunities for businesses.

Stoke on Trent is recognised for its many green spaces and the nearby River Trent has an abundance of wildlife.

Affectionately shortened to ‘Stoke’ or called ‘the Potteries’, this unique and friendly city offers much to do in the form of entertainment and leisure activities. The World of Wedgewood is an exciting family day out but there are several other equally interesting locations  if you wish to  appreciate the pottery and ceramics. Trentham Gardens features the Monkey Forest in a marvellous woodland setting where monkeys roam free and there are several tranquil parks and gardens to explore such as the large and popular Central Forest Park and Hanley Park which is a Grade II listed park designed in traditional Victorian style..

The city is brimming with many tempting places to eat and drink. Make sure you sample a deliciously unique oatcake which is a savoury cake considered a speciality to the area. The Potteries Shopping Centre is the largest in the city with over ninety stores. In addition, there is a traditional market, retail parks and plenty of independent shops and boutiques.

Surveys show that the residents of Stoke live closer to green spaces than any other city  in Britain - the city certainly offers plenty of parks, wooded areas, canal walks and wonderful nearby rural scenery. Although the River Trent does not flow through Stoke, the city is primarily associated with the Trent and Mersey Canal which played a significant role in the city’s history.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on August 21st between 10am - 2pm. The venue is Stoke Town Hall, ST4 1HP. This is a beautiful Grade II listed building and is used for a variety of purposes including housing administrative offices, exhibitions, ceremonial and community events.