to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
2020 has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging years in history for UK businesses.
A global pandemic meant many firms had to juggle strict government restrictions with an attempt to navigate uncharted waters and keep their businesses afloat.
While some were forced to make difficult decisions to safeguard their future, others used 2020 as an opportunity to diversify and adapt.
Now, as we look forward to 2021, we asked leaders from the region which businesses we should look out for over the next 12 months.
Here's three very deserving businesses from our city centre that made the list!
Bloom - Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District (BID)
Ian Orton and Jack Hardy opened the Bloom cocktail bar in Hanley's Cultural Quarter in 2019 with a vision to bring the 'Manchester vibe' to Stoke-on-Trent.
The pair spent £60,000 refurbishing the former Size? unit into a botanical themed-venue before officially opening in time for Christmas.
Since then, the bar has become extremely popular with visitors to the city centre and has become known for its extravagant cocktails, sumptuous food and 'bottomless brunch.'
Earlier this year, the business announced that it is planning to open another venue in neighbouring Newcastle-under-Lyme, but further details of the venture are being kept under wraps. So watch this space!
Goodwins Jewellers - Stoke-on-Trent Business Improvement District (BID)
Goodwins Jewellers is the longest established shop in Hanley.
It was founded in 1874 by Charles Edwin Henry Goodwin and 146 years later, the business is still going strong and is still in the hands of a Goodwin - Susan Goodwin.
The business has grown significantly over the years, expanding from its original small shop in Hope Street to its current premises, still in Hope Street, which consists of two additional properties which were knocked through.
It boasts the largest range of wedding rings in the area and has grown from just a retail shop to also being a jewellery manufacturing and repair business.
This year, Goodwins Jewellers is entering its 147th year in business and has recently signed up to a new loyalty scheme which is being introduced by the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID which will see shoppers rack up points when spending in the city centre.
The Slamwich Club - nominated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce
The Slamwich Club opened its Hanley-based restaurant in 2018.
It specialises in grilled stacked sandwiches full of different flavours that you won't find anywhere else.
Since the beginning, the business has focused on staff development and leadership skills and has also implemented a robust environmental performance policy - only using recyclable take-out products and using an electric bike for eco-deliveries.
The company has seen positive growth over the last few years and has visions to expand to different cities.
The owners are already on the hunt for new premises and, with keen interest from investors, they hope to franchise within the next three years.
Other nominations from the rest of the city centre include:
- Addmaster - nominated by the Staffordshire Business Innovation Centre (BIC)
- C2C - nominated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce
- Mondrem - nominated by Keele University
- Cabbunk - nominated by the Staffordshire Business Innovation Centre (BIC)
- Round Peg Outdoor Buildings - nominated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce
- Moneyshake - nominated by Keele University
- The Staffordshire Gin Company - nominated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce
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