Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent businesses have launched a new quality mark to prove their products are genuinely made in the county. The Made in Staffordshire scheme was unveiled at last month's County Show following a preview at the House of Commons. Fifteen businesses showcased their products at the launch, ranging from artisan food producers to handcrafted makers and growers.
The quality mark gives local producers a trusted accreditation recognised across the region. Businesses joining the scheme receive marketing support, promotional opportunities and access to an online directory. They also gain backing from Staffordshire County Council and the Chamber of Commerce. To qualify, firms must be based in Staffordshire or Stoke-on-Trent, have traded for at least six months, and carry out a meaningful part of their production in the county.
Among the early supporters is Hay and Astley, a family-run lavender producer based in the Trent Valley. The business has farmed the same land for over 100 years. Owner Julia Hayhurst said the scheme allows them to tell customers exactly where their products come from and confirms they are locally and sustainably sourced.
The Made in Staffordshire mark is designed to help local makers stand out in an increasingly competitive market. Customers searching for genuine local products now have a reliable way to identify Stoke and Staffordshire-made goods. For residents supporting local businesses, the scheme offers confidence that their purchases are truly backing county producers and manufacturers.