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COGNEWS
Connecting Staffordshire Moorlands


New Central Business Hub Announced by UK Government
The UK government has announced a new central hub for businesses looking for clear, trustworthy and relevant support at each stage of their journey. The platform brings together guidance on starting up, growing, exporting and investing, making it easier for businesses to access the information they need. The site tailors its support to individual business by asking a few straightforward questions about their sector, stage and location. From there, it provides personalised re
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Mar 121 min read


Scalable Marketing Workshop for Manufacturers
Date: 18 March 2026 Time: 9:15am – 12:30pm Venue: The AMRICC Centre, Stone Manufacturers across Staffordshire are invited to attend a practical half‑day workshop designed to help businesses move beyond the limits of referral‑driven growth. As markets shift and buyers change how they research and make purchasing decisions, traditional relationship‑based approaches can struggle to keep pace. This workshop provides clear guidance on how to build a scalable, modern marketing stra
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Mar 121 min read


Staffordshire Business Support Conference 2026
Tuesday, 12 May 2026 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM The Beaconside Group, Weston Road, Stafford ST18 0BF The Staffordshire Business Support Conference 2026 brings together local businesses, support organisations, and industry experts for a dynamic day of insight and collaboration. Designed for start‑ups, SMEs, and growing enterprises, the event offers an interactive environment where attendees can learn about the latest support, funding opportunities, and expert guidance available
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Mar 121 min read


Shaping the Future - Newcastle Business Festival
16-20 March 26 FREE Newcastle-under-Lyme's Business Festival - Shaping the Future - is returning for 2026. Taking place from 16-20 March, the five-day Festival will feature inspiring keynote and guest speakers, hands-on workshops, and opportunities to connect and network. Monday 16 March - Employment and Entrepreneurs Day (St Giles Church) Tuesday 17 March - Innovation and Sustainability Day (Keele University) Wednesday 18 March - Business and Network Day (The Boulevard)
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Mar 121 min read


Grow Your Business with Free County Council Support
Small businesses up to five years old are being urged to find out more about a support package provided through a Staffordshire County Council programme. Get Started and Grow offers FREE, fully-funded 1:1 support and advice. Pick the support that suits you: Expert accountancy & cash flow planning Legal advice to keep you compliant A professional website (up to 7 pages – FREE!) Branding & logo design that stands out Social media & digital marketing support tailored to your nee
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Jan 181 min read


Business Funding: Innovate UK Growth Catalyst - Investor Partnership
Innovate UK Growth Catalyst - Investor Partnership Round 2 Applications close: 3 Feb 2026 Innovate UK Growth Catalyst is a programme designed to help growth-oriented start-ups from seed to Series A. This competition combines grant funding, aligned private investment and structured support services to help innovators progress through key growth milestones. This competition comprises a £100 million programme to support innovative companies in these fields: Advanced Manufactur
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Jan 181 min read


Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards 2026
Applications close: 4 Feb 2026 Up to 60 awardees, more than any previous round, will receive a package of support that includes a grant of up to £75,000, bespoke business support, and a suite of training, networking and role-modelling opportunities. There has been 10 key changes to the Awards based on feedback from the business community - including clearer eligibility, improved application processes and closer alignment with the UK’s Industrial Strategy. Find out more or a
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Jan 181 min read


Empower Your Enterprise: Attend the Free Rural Business Seminar
Free 28 January 2026 10am – 1pm Foxlowe Arts Centre - ST13 6AD Rural businesses in the Staffordshire Moorlands can access funding, expert advice, and practical support at a newly announced workshop this month. In partnership with Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce are bringing together programmes, advice and expert guidance that rural businesses in the Staffordshire Moorlands can use to grow. Businesses looking to expand, diversify or start a new
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Jan 121 min read


Getting Ready for the New Way to Do Tax Returns
It’s the biggest change since HMRC launched Self Assessment more than 30 years ago. If you work for yourself as a sole trader or earn money from property then yo'll need to consider that tax returns are changing – with a new way to record and report your income and expenses. This is called Making Tax Digital for Income Tax or MTD for Income Tax. You won’t fill out your tax return all at once, instead, you’ll split and spread the admin throughout the year. You'll need to: Use
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Dec 8, 20252 min read


Budget Round-up November 2025
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP, presented her Autumn Budget to Parliament on 26 November 2025. There were no rises in income tax, national insurance or VAT, a new High Value Council Tax Surcharge on properties worth £2 million or more from April 2028 and Mayors to gain a new tourist levy power on overnight stays. Minimum wage for 18 to 20-year-olds rises to £10.85, and National Living Wage increases to £12.71. 0.5% reduction in departmental budgets in 20
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Dec 8, 20251 min read


Menopause Awareness for Companies
Menopause Awareness for Companies
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Oct 15, 20252 min read


Companies House Webinar: An Introduction to the British Business Bank - Supporting Your Business
Companies House Webinar: An Introduction to the British Business Bank - Supporting Your Business
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Sep 30, 20251 min read


Getting Ready to Grow at Cheadle Business Pop-Up Event
Getting Ready to Grow at Cheadle Business Pop-Up Event
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Sep 28, 20252 min read


Envisioning Staffordshire's Economic Growth
Envisioning Staffordshire's Economic Growth
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Sep 28, 20252 min read


Creative Moorlands Funding Masterclass
Creative Moorlands Funding Masterclass
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Sep 20, 20251 min read


Free energy support for Staffordshire businesses
Free energy support for Staffordshire businesses
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Sep 16, 20251 min read


Starting Your Small Business in Staffordshire Moorlands?
Starting Your Small Business in Staffordshire Moorlands
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Sep 14, 20252 min read


Don't Miss the South Moorlands Business Pop-up This Thursday!
Don't Miss the South Moorlands Business Pop-up This Thursday!
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Sep 14, 20251 min read


Bring your products and innovations to life – for free
Bring your products and innovations to life – for free
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Sep 3, 20251 min read


New Opportunity for Fleet Operators to Embrace Green Solutions
New Opportunity for Fleet Operators to Embrace Green Solutions
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Aug 25, 20251 min read
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