A new business is now operating from the Smithfield Works in Hanley after the departure of one of its first tenants earlier this year.

Recruitment company, Hays, has been operating in Stoke-on-Trent for more than 20 years and has now moved its base from Church House, on Old Hall Street, to the new office space where 11 staff will be based.

It comes after Morphy Richards, which has had a base at Smithfield Works since 2023, announced it is moving to a larger, permanent base in Stoke-on-Trent due to "ongoing growth and increasing need for a more expansive and versatile work environment".

Meanwhile, Hays has signed a 2-year tenancy for the space with plans to recruit more people in the city this year.

Sarah Blackburn, senior business director at Hays Stoke-on-Trent, said: "The central location of Smithfield Works is ideal to see candidates and clients and it is just such a lovely space which is ideal for our team and business.

"Smithfield Works has such a lovely vibe both professional and friendly, and it has the perfect space for us which includes a private office space for our team, but also shared meetings and social space.

"As we look to the future we can also see the opportunity of there being plenty of space and opportunity to grow, and we are actively recruiting at the moment for more local people to join our team."

As well as having a presence in Stoke-on-Trent, Hays are also found worldwide and operate in 33 different countries, with expert consultants specialising in 21 different professions. 

Other firms such as Ticketmaster Sport, Barclays, Stoke Creates and agency Purple Digital also have their own office suites at Smithfield Works.

Community manager, Adele Simmons, said: "Hays are a great business to have at Smithfield Works and we are very happy to welcome them to our Broad Street base in Hanley.

"It is also quite exciting that they are planning on more growth themselves and see Smithfield Works as the ideal place to do that. We wish them every success and look forward to what they do next."