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  "description": "Staffordshire County Council’s inaugural Business Support Conference has been hailed a success, providing the information and ambition in one point of call to boost the local economy.",
  "path": "/staffordshire-businesses-turn-out-in-force-for-first-ever-conference/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-26T11:11:26.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk",
  "textContent": "Held at The Octagon Centre in Stafford, the sell-out event gave delegates the opportunity to discover the variety of tailored support available from a single source and build valuable connections across the local business community.\n\nGuests heard from the leader of Staffordshire County Council, Martin Murray, Karen Woolley from the Federation of Small Businesses, Kerry Haughton from HSBC and Chelsea Spencer, Chartered Marketer and Founder of Big Reputation based in Uttoxeter.\n\nMartin Murray said:\n\n> “The first ever Staffordshire Business Support Conference provided us with an opportunity to showcase everything the county council has to offer, including our support structures where SMEs can access training, opportunities and connections.\n\n> “Businesses were able to gain practical insight from experts and create networks and relationships that can help them to thrive. Our comprehensive package of small business support demonstrates delivery in one of our priority areas in backing enterprise and innovation across our county.”\n\nRepresentatives from the Council’s specialist business services showcased the wide range of start-up and business support available, giving delegates the chance to seek out a deeper understanding of routes to success.\n\nConference delegate Misbah Gulzar, Founder and Director of Equitas Consultancy Services, said:\n\n> “This kind of environment is so important and useful, not just to push your business forward, but for you as an individual to build your confidence, your self-esteem and build upon your business.”\n\nBreak out room workshops provided delegates with the chance to seek out a deeper understanding of routes to success, with sessions led by KMC Legal, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Supporting Care Leavers into Employment and Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub.\n\nMike Thompson, of Blu Sky Technical Services, a start-up based in Uttoxeter, said:\n\n> “Events like this give access to opportunities and funding as well as networking. Having a conversation with someone on your table, or the next table, could just help you get over that line for a problem you may have. It may be a connection with an investor or a connection with a customer.\n\n> “It’s also nice to hear from the leader about the help that’s available to businesses.\n\n> “What Staffordshire County Council is providing for businesses and the business support is absolutely fantastic.”\n\nStaffordshire County Council’s inaugural Business Support Conference\n\n####  Enjoyed this story?\n\nThe Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire.\n\nEvery contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county.\n\nExplore the heart of our county Use the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent.\n\nSupport independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal**** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.",
  "title": "Staffordshire businesses turn out in force for first ever conference",
  "updatedAt": "2026-05-26T11:11:27.465Z"
}