Support for Businesses
Whether you are just starting out, looking to grow, or trying to find the right people, Shaping the Future connects you with the programmes, networks and resources that make a real difference to your business with each one specifically designed for businesses operating in and around Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Business Support Programmes
Honey Box Hive and Comb
Honey Box is a national music initiative, developed in North Staffordshire to help support, uplift and promote grassroots musicians. Running regular music based networking opportunities, development workshops and live broadcast gigs Honey Box has been supporting emerging musicians and rising stars for over 7 years.
Staffordshire Growth Hub
As part of the Growth Hub network of 120+ partner organisations, Shaping the Future connects Newcastle-under-Lyme businesses to the full range of business support available across Staffordshire and the wider region.
Connects Network
People from various industries and backgrounds meet at different venues around Newcastle-under-Lyme once a month for an informal, relaxed and free networking session. Each session features a guest speaker with inspiring stories connected to the local area and a chance to introduce yourself, your business, community initiative or project to a room full of supportive people with great local connections.
Business Catalyst
Innovation-led businesses in Newcastle-under-Lyme can access academic expertise, student talent and research support through our partnerships with Keele University and the University of Staffordshire.
Business Festival 2026
The 2026 Shaping the Future Business Festival brought together hundreds of businesses, creatives, innovators, and community leaders from across Newcastle-under-Lyme and beyond.
Five days. Five venues. One borough.
The business festival was everything and more. learnt so much, connected with incredible businesses and figured out how to better scale my personal business. thanks to the organisers. absolutely can't wait for the 2027 edition.
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Photo Credit: M3 Branding
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