Business and civic leaders from Staffordshire and Stoke‑on‑Trent have launched their joint delegation for the UK’s leading investment conference.
The event, held yesterday at the new Goods Yard development in Stoke‑on‑Trent, brought partners together to present their plans ahead of the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in May. The conference attracts over 16,000 people each year, including representatives from government, development, finance and industry.
A joined‑up approach to investment
The launch was hosted by We Are Staffordshire, the county and city’s place‑promotion partnership.
Leaders outlined a strong, shared offer, including:
- £130 million of town centre investment
- Growing innovation districts
- Plans to drive sustainable growth across the Midlands Growth Corridor
Key projects on show
The delegation will promote major opportunities across the area, including:
- Regeneration projects in Stafford, Burton, Stoke‑on‑Trent and Newcastle‑under‑Lyme
- A £90 million investment in Newcastle‑under‑Lyme town centre, supported by the council, Homes England and Levelling Up funding
- The transformation of Chatterley Whitfield
- Expansion of the Keele Innovation District
- Growth opportunities along the A50/A500 corridor and the Central Edge Economic Growth Zone
Strong backing from partners
The event was attended by:
- Council leaders and chief executives
- Regeneration directors
- Headline sponsors including Keele University, Indurent and Stoford
- Investors and developers such as Capital & Centric
Damien Holdstock, Planning Director at Indurent, said Staffordshire is a key focus for long‑term investment because of its strong transport links, partnerships and ambition for growth. He added that UKREiiF is an important opportunity to promote the area and its potential.
A clear message for investors
Martin Murray, Leader of Staffordshire County Council and Chair of the Staffordshire Leaders Board, said the county offers:
- A central UK location
- Excellent connectivity
- A strong track record of delivering major projects
He emphasised that working together through the We Are Staffordshire partnership helps attract investment, support business growth and create higher‑skilled jobs.
UKREiiF 2026 presence
Staffordshire’s programme at UKREiiF 2026 will include:
- Sessions on place, culture and logistics
- Exhibitions showcasing regeneration projects, innovation assets and growth areas
The full delegation will attend the event in Leeds from 19 to 21 May 2026, based at Stand E22.
