Stoke-on-Trent is a city which prides itself on the united strength of its communities, towns and businesses. A polycentric city, uniquely formed out of six towns that federated more than a century ago and formally became a city by royal decree in 1925, our motto is that our united strength is stronger.

We have a proud heritage that was forged in the industrial revolution and our ceramics expertise helped to pioneer modern manufacturing techniques. Our pottery producers remain famous the world over.

We buck trends: our economy bounced back more quickly from the pandemic than anywhere else in the West Midlands, and our story of economic growth continues thanks to our central, well-connected location, value for money industrial sites and track record of bringing high quality developments to brownfield land.

Stoke-on-Trent is the 13^th largest city in the UK. But we’re also the 14^th most deprived. Entrenched inequalities have conspired to hold our city back and limit the extraordinary potential of our citizens and communities. But we are developing an alternative approach to economic development which prioritises social and environmental health and wellbeing and encourages and incentivises new and fairer approaches to commerce and employment.

We’re a city with a warm welcome and can-do attitude. We’ve been voted the kindest city in the UK, and with a thriving digital economy, boasting full-fibre gigabyte connectivity, the UK’s leading e-gaming degree courses and a growing filming and graphic design sector, we are well placed to raise aspirations and match them with high-quality education and skills opportunities to support our city’s growth for the future.

Photo: Etruria Festival 2022 by Natalie Willatt