Keele supports Parliamentary event celebrating Staffordshire’s impact

A celebration of Staffordshire’s pride, creativity and innovation was held at the House of Commons this week, with Keele University among the organisations chosen to champion the county in Parliament.  

To mark the tenth anniversary of Staffordshire Day taking place on 1st May 2026, the event was organised by We are Staffordshire to showcase the world leading businesses and producers based in the county to MPs, ministers, and national decision makers.   

A team from Keele joined with organisations of all sizes to celebrate the county’s identity, heritage and innovative industry while raising its profile as a place to live, work, visit and invest.  

The event was part of wider Staffordshire Day celebrations, marking a decade since its inception.  

Among the sessions taking place at the event were a Staffordshire marketplace event highlighting the range and quality of businesses and organisations shaping the county’s economy, from advanced manufacturing and research to food, drink, culture and tourism.  

Three roundtable discussions were also held to bring Staffordshire businesses and partners together, with Keele’s Ann Pittard and Higher Horizons Director Ant Sutcliffe among the speakers taking part in them.   

Ann Pittard, Director of Engagement and Partnerships at Keele, said: “We were delighted to be part of this impressive Staffordshire delegation meeting Jacqui Smith, Minister of State for Skills, in a session chaired by Gareth Snell MP. It was an opportunity share what the area does well, and we had a really valuable discussion about how we can work together to deliver in areas such as the Modern Industrial Strategy.”