The team behind Stoke-on-Trent’s new premium office and coworking spaces Smithfield Works, launched The Pitch on 18th January 2023, a competition giving local businesses and entrepreneurs the opportunity to win free city centre hot-desking for 12 months, worth over £1000.
The serviced offices, located at Smithfield in the city centre, provide an opportunity to work in a modern, fully-fitted space with all utilities provided, including high-speed internet and even printing allowances.
Smithfield Works’ The Pitch competition welcomes entries from local businesses, start-ups, charities and solo entrepreneurs who would benefit from city centre office space and a new working environment to take the next step in their growth.
On top of 12 month’s hot-desking, the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce will bolster the prize to include a free Start-Up membership, to further aid business growth.
To enter, businesses must complete a form via the Smithfield Works website. Submissions will be reviewed by a judging panel comprising representatives from Genr8 Developments, the regeneration specialists behind Smithfield Works, the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, and Cllr Abi Brown from Stoke-on-Trent City Council. The panel will whittle the submissions down to a shortlist, who will then be invited to attend an in-person pitching day direct to the judges.
Charlotte Teece, community manager at Smithfield Works, commented: “We are so excited to launch this new competition and offer businesspeople from the region the opportunity to benefit from brilliant offices. We are looking for local businesses; whether they be start-ups, charities, community groups or solo entrepreneurs, who need a desk in a modern, quality and digitally connected workspace to help them develop their business and build new relationships.”
Tom Nadin, Head of Projects and Business Services at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “I’m delighted to have been asked to support ‘The Pitch’, to give one lucky local business access to this amazing new business facility. Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce supports thousands of local businesses every year, and the newly developed Smithfield site supports the cultural shift from dedicated office working, to more fluid and flexible working pattens. Best of luck to all entrants.”
Stoke-on-Trent City Council leader, Councillor Abi Brown has said: “This competition is a great opportunity for local businesses, charities, community groups or solo entrepreneurs to win the chance to work from a modern workspace. Smithfield Works is so impressive, the perfect set up for hot-desking, in a location that’s well connected with easy travel in and around the city.”
There will be a series of drop-in afternoons in the run up to the submission deadline for potential applicants to see the space, explore Smithfield Works, and ask any questions about the membership prizes.
The Pitch competition is the latest in a series of initiatives launched by Smithfield Works to create and embed a community at Smithfield.
These include an outdoor cinema, charity events, BBQs and sports days for families to enjoy.