Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire

Some of the UK’s biggest international manufacturers are based in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. Add to them world-famous ceramics firms and a significant agri-tech industry, and the economic case for investment in local road and rail links becomes indisputable.

Our Partners

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce

Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Enterprise Partnership

Rail

The DfT’s commitment to run HS2 conventional-compatible services through regenerated stations in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford means more people and businesses will be able to access prospects offered by fast and frequent journeys to the North West and London, as well as Birmingham and Manchester airports. We will work with the West Coast Partnership franchise to ensure new services recognise these needs.

We are also working with the DfT, WMRE, local authorities and the Constellation Partnership to develop plans to make the area a prime example of rebalancing the UK economy. Early forecasts predict 100,000 homes and 120,000 jobs could be delivered in the Partnership area by 2040.

East-West connectivity is as vital as high speed rail. The Midlands Rail Hub could double the frequency of services from Tamworth and Burton upon Trent to Birmingham, Derby and Nottingham. We also want to double train services on the Crewe-Stoke-Derby line, and cut 20 minutes from the journey in time for the 2027 completion of HS2 Phase 2a. With this investment, passenger demand could reach 350,000 a year by 2037.

Road

Our Midlands Motorway Hub recommendations include making better use of the M6 Toll by providing improved digital information during incidents and peak times. Diverting more vehicles could reduce bottlenecks on the M6 in South Staffordshire.

Further improvements to motorway infrastructure must be preceded by the confirmation and completion of the M54 to M6/M6 (Toll) Link Road. We're calling for this to become a reality as soon as possible, alongside upgrades to Junction 15 of the M6 and filling the smart motorway gap between there and Junction 16.

The A50 between Stoke-on-Trent and Derbyshire is an important link between the M6 in the north Midlands and the M1 in the east. The A50/A500 is a priority and we will study the case for development, alongside options to make the most of the A5 between M6 J12 and M1 J18. This would not only strengthen Staffordshire’s links with the motorway network, but offer firms trading within or passing through the county a welcome alternative.

Regional overview

“JCB is one of many major employers along the A50/A500 corridor, and a gridlocked infrastructure around our factories significantly affects us. We certainly support any work Midlands Connect can do to identify improvements that might make the corridor more reliable and resilient.”

Mark Turner,
Chief Operating Officer, JCB

60%

UK ceramics jobs in the north of Staffordshire

72%

increased passenger demand on Crewe-Stoke-Derby line by 2037 following improvements