Stoke Creates joined the ‘Made in Stoke’ event at Belstaff’s Regent Street store on Thursday 14th November. The event brought together notable figures to celebrate Stoke-on-Trent’s achievements, including its designation as a World Craft City and its upcoming centenary in 2025.
Each speaker highlighted the city’s past, present, and bright future, offering unique perspectives on how its identity and legacy can inspire creative and economic growth.
Listen to the speakers here (26 mins):
Justine Simons: A Global Platform for Stoke
London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and proud Stokie, Justine Simons, shared her enthusiasm for Stoke-on-Trent’s World Craft City recognition, emphasising the city’s unique heritage in ceramics. “There’s only one Potteries,” she said, urging the audience to leverage this identity for global storytelling. She underlined the centenary as a pivotal moment to reflect on the past while envisioning a vibrant future for Stoke-on-Trent built on creativity.
Councillor Jane Ashworth: Social Change Through Craft
Cllr Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, focused on the transformative potential of the World Craft City title. “We need people to look to tomorrow,” she stated, framing the centenary as a launchpad for local empowerment and renewed confidence. She highlighted the council’s role in driving social change and building skills, envisioning a future where Stoke-on-Trent’s heritage becomes a catalyst for innovation and opportunity.
Clare Wood: Heritage and Economic Opportunity
Clare Wood, Creative Director of the British Ceramics Biennial, celebrated Stoke’s 600-year connection to ceramics, emphasising the economic and cultural importance of this legacy. “This is a story about expertise gained over time,” she noted, sharing that the ceramics industry generates £285 million annually in the city. Clare encouraged leveraging this heritage for global recognition and innovation, calling for expanded international events and creative collaborations.
John Phillips: A Global Lens on Local Heritage
John Phillips, Partner-in-Charge of the London office of the global law firm Jones Day and a proud Stokie, shared how his work has connected Stoke-on-Trent’s heritage with global platforms. Through initiatives like Proud Places, which involves youth in heritage restoration, Phillips highlighted how Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary could inspire deeper connections and investments in its cultural assets. “None of this would have happened but for Made in Stoke,” he remarked, acknowledging the initiative’s unifying power.
As Stoke-on-Trent prepares for its centenary, these voices celebrate a city with a rich past and huge potential, showcasing the enduring relevance of its heritage and the promise of its creative future.