Business in brief
SMALL Business Minister Kelly Tolhurst has been announced as the keynote speaker at a major business conference.
The MP will be at the Stoke-on-trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) annual conference, on Friday, January 18.
The event, at Uttoxeter Racecourse, will be an opportunity for local businesses to hear from the minister responsible for policy areas including small business, consumers and corporate responsibility.
LEP chairman David Frost CBE said: “We are delighted that Kelly Tolhurst has found the time to speak at our conference and we look forward to showcasing the best of our region’s businesses at the event.
Businesses wishing to attend the conference, Julie Frost at julie.frost@staffordshire.gov.uk or 01785 719002.
■ SHOPPERS at the Co-op can get their hands on a selection of locally-brewed real ales this Christmas.
Around 20 of the supermarket’s Staffordshire branches are stocking products from Freedom Brewery, based in Abbots Bromley, Burslembased Titanic Brewery, Stone-based Lymestone Brewery and Cheddleton’s Staffordshire Brewery, in the run-up to this year’s festive season.
Suzanne Young, who is the manager of a branch in Burton, said “We are really proud at Central England Coop of continuing our long tradition of working with local suppliers by joining forces with four great Staffordshire breweries to showcase some great beers and ales.”
■ PARTS supplier Radwell International has donated more than 150 toys to The Salvation Army – as part of its annual festive drive.
Over the last three months, staff at the Staffordshire business have been donating presents to help children – aged from three months old to 16 – who may not receive a gift this Christmas.
The donations included dolls, action figures, teddies and puzzles.
Martin Thomas, European marketing manager at Radwell, said: “We felt it was a great opportunity for Radwell to once again help children in need in our local area during the holiday season.
“Our thanks go to our finance department who coordinated the toy drive and to all of our employees who donated.”
Theresa Raffan, community development coordinator at The Salvation Army, said: “We are very grateful for Radwell International for having such a positive impact in our Christmas present appeal.
“Their employees have been tremendously generous donating all the toys and gifts which will make a real difference to the lives of over 150 children.”