Latest news with #StaffordshireChambersof
BBC News
16-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Staffordshire-based JCB doubles USA factory size due to tariffs
A Staffordshire-based digger firm is planning to ramp up production in the USA after the American administration brought in new levies on imported at JCB said they had planned for a situation where tariffs would be imposed, and had made preparations to increase production in the is an important market for the firm, which is headquartered in executive officer Graeme Macdonald said:"The north American market is the largest market in the world. To put it into perspective, it is double the size of [the market in] Europe." He added: "Politics aside, the Trump administration is full of business people."They are business people who are willing to do deals, so I'd encourage our UK government to go and do a deal with the US administration."As part of the company's long-term strategy in America, JCB is doubling the size of its factory in began last June, and production is due to begin next firm already has a plant in Georgia, USA, where it has been based for 25 years. Bosses at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, however, described the current uncertainty around tariffs as "crippling"."People are just really uncertain what it means, and at what point it comes in," said CEO Rachel has left some businesses looking to trade more with other Savage from Barkers Fencing, a high security fencing specialist in Stoke-on-Trent, said: "We'll probably adjust our strategy a little bit.""There'll be opportunities in other territories – Canada, for example."He said he could foresee some American companies preferring British-made products to American how best to adapt remains a question asked by many business bosses. Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Stoke-on-Trent plans cream tea world record attempt
A city-wide cream tea party is being planned for a world record attempt to mark Stoke-on-Trent's 100th aim is to gather the largest number of people taking part in a simultaneous cream tea party across multiple venues - from garden gatherings and office events to street parties and family are being asked to organise simultaneous events at 11:00 BST on 8 current record is held by Yorkshire Building Society, secured in 2015 with 667 members of staff taking part across six different sites. "Stoke-on-Trent is a brilliant city, and this feels a perfect way to honour the city's 100-year celebrations and bring communities together," said Nicky Twemlow from YMCA North Staffordshire, which is one of the organisations that has signed up to take part. Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent Lyn Sharpe said the city's tea sets were famous all around the world, and that she could not think of a better way for Stokies to get together."I can't wait to sit down, enjoy a friendly chat with others and tuck into a tasty cream tea," she said."Many organisations are working behind the scenes to make this special event attempt happen as part of our centenary year celebrations. I'd like to thank them for pulling it all together."The event is also being supported by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, the Community Foundation for Staffordshire, Made in Stoke, Stoke-on-Trent College, VAST, and Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Ambassador Theatre Group. Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
