A business festival returned to Newcastle-under-Lyme last week delivering free talks and workshops to support local businesses. 

This marked the second year of The Shaping the Future Business Festival which featured five themed days including 'Employment and Entrepreneurs', 'Creative and Digital Industries Day' and 'Women in Business'.

There were a variety of speakers from a range of industries including co-owner and chair of Port Vale Football Club Carol Shanahan OBE and Managing Director of Valentine Clays Hannah Ault.

Pete Herbert of PH Productions said: "The Business Festival, which is a week-long event, is the culmination of many years of Connects Network - an organisation which brings businesses together. 

 "One of the things that makes us a little bit different is that we try to mix up business with community groups, charities and arts-based organisations.

"People are creative in what they do and I think all these sectors have got something to learn from each other."

The festival, which took place in locations aross the town centre between 16 and 20 March, was organised by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council in collaboration with PH Production Service and supported by the council as well as the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Geoff Beadle, Economic and Growth Development Officer at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council said: "Everyone has got their own experiences and everyone has faced their own challenges and barriers. 

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He added: "The festival is linked to some of the work we've been doing throughout the year and it's a celebration bringing together some of the key aspects of learning."

He added: "In what we have achieved over the years from supporting small individuals to start up programmes to working with universities to develop apps specifically for businesses, you can see the width and breadth of the support on offer."

Some of the individuals attending the festival on Wednesday 18 March explained what they will take away from the experience.

Vicky, of INTO Newcastle Walking and Cycling Project, said: "The speakers always look at things from a different point of view so you always learn something as well as having the networking opportunity."

Sarah, from Unshrinkable, added: "I attended the festival last year and booked it in straight away. It is an informal environment to network with new people, get new energy and renewed focus.

"It is jam packed full of inspiring speakers and offers new opportunities – it is a great event."