Unlocking the Benefits: Why Every Homeowner Should Consider Fitting a Key Safe

Local manufacturer JCB has secured a contract for 535 militarized versions of JCB’s 437HT wheeled loader with the United States Marine Corps (USMC) to be supplied over the next decade. The contract is the third to be signed by the USMC, which five months ago placed a $45 million order for a militarized version of JCB’s 4CX backhoe loader. That followed a $39 million deal in 2024 for Multi Terrain Loaders, a militarized version of the JCB Teleskid compact tracked loader. Chris

If you’re venturing into the town centre today, Saturday the 24th of January, you’ll notice that a few shops are closed due to unforeseen circumstances. Included are Boots on the High Street and the Bread Basket. We told that this is due to a power outage and we spotted a couple of National Grid vehicles so we hope the disruption doesn’t take too long to fix.

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent's position as a leading location to invest and do business will again be showcased at a national investor event in May. A delegation will be returning to promote the area at UKREiiF (UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum) in Leeds next May to over 16,000 attendees. The three-day event is in its fifth year and brings together local and regional public sector organisations with government, investors, funders, developers, housebuil

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

A new visitor mascot for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent was launched at a major tourism conference at Uttoxeter Racecourse on Thursday 15th January.  The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) has introduced ‘Staffy’ – a charming Staffordshire Bull Terrier mascot, who is ready to put his best paw forward to promote the region’s attractions and lifestyle offer.   Staffy was brought to life with the help of award-winning Stoke-on-Trent animation s

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

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

The Health and Safety Executive's Working Minds campaign has launched a new webpage to help employers recognise how work-related stress develops and why prevention matters. The page explains the impact stress can have on health, absence and productivity. It also reinforces the importance of good work design. To understand the risks of stress at work and take the first steps towards preventing it in your workplace, visit the new page: Understanding the impact of stress at wor

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

Yesterday, local police confirmed a rise in crime over the past month in and around the Cheadle area, particularly involving shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. Several known individuals are involved, and active investigations are underway. Some criminals are coming from the city and are linked to these local offenders. PCSO Adrian Walters informed attendees at last night's town council meeting that they believe the activity has decreased since Christmas, noting that this

Earlier this month, Manager Stacy observed a customer acting suspiciously. She asked, “What are you doing?” He replied, “I am not pinching.” Stacy told COGNEWS that those people who say they are not stealing are usually the ones that do. The thief pushed his way towards the till, stole some fragrances, swore at her, and said, “If I want to pinch, I am going to pinch.” Stacy tried to stop him from leaving the shop, and he said, “I am going to punch you,” which resulted in Stac

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

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

World of Wedgwood is delighted to announce that the V&A Wedgwood Collection will appear in the upcoming Antiques Roadshow episode “Unseen Treasures 1,” part of Series 48. The episode airs on Sunday, 30th November 2025 and celebrates remarkable finds from filming across the UK, including a special tribute to the city of Stoke-on-Trent in its centenary year.  During the episode, presenter Fiona Bruce visits the V&A Wedgwood Collection, located at World of Wedgwood, to explore m

Saving Zone, a family run High Street store in Cheadle has reported to COGNEWS that the have never had a single incident of theft in the store until the last two months. The manager in the household products store is finding it very stressful because he now cannot leave the counter and has to constantly watch the CCTV. Popular items with thieves are radios and tools Saving Zone staff, like Boots the Chemist, also fear that that Cheadle may be being targeted by drug gangs.

A spokesperson from Boots on Cheadle High Street told COGNEWS that they are having daily occurrences of shoplifting, and it appears that these thefts may be taking place to order. Staff have observed thieves operating in pairs, and the extent of this is having devastating consequences on the stock available for sale. Every time the CCTV is passed on to head office and the police, staff are wondering if this continues, how long can the store stay open? The spokesperson said th

You can save energy in your business by booking a place on one of SBEN's upcoming courses:   Gain practical tools and insights to reduce costs and improve sustainability. 9th & 10th December 2025 – online course 14th January 2026 – In-person – The Moat House Online courses are for two four-hour morning sessions on consecutive days. Who is eligible for Carbon Literacy Training? Staffordshire businesses (excludes Stoke-on-Trent area) of any size are eligible to access up to t

Like many local residents, we are puzzled by the secrecy surrounding developments in our town. The most recent example is the work on the Tape Street Short Stay Car Park, which is currently undergoing a five-week development program. Local residents and businesses have neither been informed nor consulted, and it appears that, as of the full town council meeting on Monday, October 3rd, the Town Council has also not been informed of the details of the work or involved in the pl

HSE Supports Businesses in Promoting Better Mental Health for Employees