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Digital Stoke – a research project

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by Prof Geoff Pugh and Prof Jon Fairburn

About the project

This project is interested in the presence in Stoke-on-Trent of an IT or digital sector of substantial size, high productivity, and continued growth relative to the local economy. The purpose of this research is to conduct primary research:

(i) to map the IT sector in Stoke;

(ii) to analyse the IT sector origins, structure, performance, and current and potential role in the local economy; and

(iii) thereby to inform evidence-based policies to sustain and develop this emergent sector.

Some Initial Findings

In keeping with many other local authorities, Stoke-on-Trent City Council has placed the digital sector at the centre of its economic development strategy. Anecdotally at least, there does appear a strong base to build on. The emergence of a cluster of creative media businesses on the former Spode Pottery site, the success of privately owned, cyber security business Synectics Solutions, and the continuing growth of the e-gaming capabilities at Staffordshire University all suggest that, unlike some areas chasing the digital opportunity, “Silicon Stoke” has real potential.

The available data, notwithstanding the widely known limitations at the local area level, is entirely consistent with the anecdotal picture: digital is already a major component of the local economy. In 2019, according to the experimental local area ONS GVA data[1], the digital sector accounted for 10.6% of GVA in Stoke-on-Trent, significantly higher than both its 2.1% contribution to output across the rest of Staffordshire and its 6.2% share of UK GVA. And digital in Stoke -on-Trent is fast growing: the relatively high share of local economic output reflects growth of 500% in GVA in the city since 2010, compared to a rough doubling of the sector across the UK and in the rest of Staffordshire.

As a result of this rapid growth, Stoke-on-Trent had the 42nd largest digital sector in the country in 2019 among ITL3 regions in GVA terms, despite being only the 122nd largest local economy. By contrast, Staffordshire was the 23rd local economy in size terms, but only 65th when ranked on size of its digital sector.

Striking as these figures are, they don’t tell us the full story. The 2019 GVA data identifies Stoke-on-Trent as having the 11th largest Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (AER) sector in the UK among ITL3[2] areas. The AER sector in Stoke-on-Trent is almost 3 times the value of that in Staffordshire, despite the county’s local economy being three times that of Stoke-on-Trent in total. The explanation is not hard to find; gambling accounts for over 97% of the AER sector in Stoke-on-Trent, reflecting the presence of the HQ and core operations of Bet365, one of the world’s leading online betting companies.

On any measure Bet365 is a digital company. If we adjust the ONS data using employee numbers as a proxy for GVA share, the digital sector in Stoke-on-Trent would on a conservative basis have been worth around £1 billion in GVA terms in 2019. This level of GVA would make Stoke-on-Trent, the 25th largest digital ITL3 area in the UK. On productivity, the performance is even more impressive. Matching the available data on employment to the sector GVA data at the local authority level[3], Stoke-on-Trent’s digital sector productivity of £153k per job is the fourth highest in the UK. Adjust for Bet365’s presence and the city moves up to third place, just ahead of the City of Westminster and behind Hounslow, home to Heathrow Airport, and Portsmouth, home of IBM. Even allowing for the fact that by combining some ITL areas the local authority measure may dilute the digital strength of places such as Reading, this ranking is very different to that for productivity (GVA per job) across the local authority area, in which Stoke-on-Trent is in the bottom quartile nationally.

The structure of Stoke’s digital sector initially appears to comprise of one (very) large firm (bet365) together with a large number of micro, small, and medium  size firms. To what extent might bet365 be functioning as an “anchor” firm is to be investigated. However, it is clear that “digital Stoke” is not a one-firm phenomenon but is based on a wide range of firms in a range of sub-industries.

Next steps

We are currently processing and collecting primary and secondary datasets for mapping using Geographic Information Systems.

We will be looking to interview past and current workers in the digital sector starting in 2024.

If you can assist or are interested in further information about the project please contact Christine Dover below.

Research team

Prof Geoff Pugh email g.t.pugh@staffs.ac.uk

Prof Jon Fairburn email jon.fairburn@staffs.ac.uk

Visiting Prof Mark Gregory email markgregorymail@staffs.ac.uk

Christine Dover (Research Assistant) email c.j.dover@staffs.ac.uk

Research Fellow (University of Manchester) starts 1st Feb 2024

Funded through the ESRC in collaboration with the Productivity Institute at the University of Manchester.

[1] Regional gross value added balanced by industry and all ITL regions. May 2021, ONS.

[2] International Territorial Level, a recognised classification to allow comparison of places of similar sizes.

[3] Regional gross value added (balanced) by industry: local authorities by International Territorial Level (ITL) region. May 2022, ONS. Business Register and Employment Survey. 2021, Nomis.

Celebrating Entrepreneurship – Global Entrepreneurship Week 2023 – 13th to 20th Nov

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by Dr Ema Talam

Risk-taking, curiosity, flexibility and adaptability, or opportunity-seeking are often thought to be characteristics of entrepreneurs. Positive effects of entrepreneurship are far-reaching. Entrepreneurship can be a contributor to economic growth and development, creator of employment, lead to increased spending in markets, lead to knowledge transfers, and innovation (Meyer and de Jongh, 2018).

Global initiative Global Entrepreneurship Week is a campaign designed to “celebrate and empower entrepreneurs in every country and community around the world – especially those individuals who face structural barriers or may have never considered the idea of launching a startup”.

Thousands of activities are organised across the world to celebrate entrepreneurship and Staffordshire University join the cause. Several sessions were delivered this week and while we are coming to the end of Global Entrepreneurship Week, there is still some time to engage with some of the activities. The sessions delivered by Staffordshire University staff and entrepreneurs in residence (Kieron Chadwick, Dr Joe Hazzam, Dr Ema Talam and Jonathan Westlake) and have covered topics such as digital adoption for entrepreneurs, social media and AI in the context of entrepreneurship, ethical considerations when starting your business, and intrapreneurship and building skills and competencies to act as an entrepreneur. Over 120 students have engaged with Global Entrepreneurship Week this year and there is still some time to engage with exciting activities around entrepreneurship if you follow this link.

At Staffordshire University, we offer variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes related to entrepreneurship. Full list of courses offered is available here.

#GEW2023

Notes on the Conference: Inclusive Labour Market: Exploring Job retention, rotation and social dialogue

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Professor David Etherington and Dr Duncan Adam

Purpose of the Conference

Both Staffordshire University and ERSA have been exploring models of labour market policy which are inclusive and democratic. The Job retention rotation model promoted by the Danish Government and trade unions has had a great deal of success in engaging unemployed/ disadvantaged groups with employment and at the same time providing unskilled workers opportunities to participate in vocational training. The model enables employees to be released from work to undertake study, by replacing them with substitutes who have been unemployed. The unemployed participants receive pre-employment support and mentoring as part of the scheme. Through this approach, those otherwise excluded from the workforce, are given a unique opportunity for paid work experience and vocational training. Employers benefit because production/services continues while staff are freed up to develop their skills.

This model has been mainstreamed in some European countries, promoted by the European Union, and successfully piloted in Scotland by the Workers Education Association. An essential ingredient of the JR model is the role of social dialogue and the bringing together of relevant labour market partners, including trade unions and worker representatives. For more information on the Danish approach see

Policy briefing: Job guarantee and rotation – a way towards an inclusive labour market?

The main aim of the Conference was to focus on solutions to poverty and inequality by considering the possibilities of initially piloting such an initiative in the UK, possibly in the Stoke/North Staffordshire area. Previous reports by Staffordshire have drawn attention to deep seated in work and out of work poverty (see https://eprints.staffs.ac.uk/7621/ ) where a large proportion of working age adults are either excluded from the labour market or in low paid/skills employment. A key focus is also to assess how trade unions/civil society organisations can play a greater role, along with other stakeholders within the UK employment and skills system.

Summary of all the presentations is available for download below at the bottom of the page

Speakers at the conference

Professor Martin Jones (VC) Staffordshire University

Professor David Etherington, Professor of Local and Regional Economic Development, Staffordshire University – Job retention and social dialogue: Lessons from Denmark

Jill Rutter, Head of Programme and Policy, Learning and Work Institute – Which way now for employment support?

Dr Katy Jones,  Research Fellow, Centre for Decent Work and Productivity, Manchester Metropolitan University – What role for employers? Universal Credit and Employers: exploring the demand side of UK active labour market policy

Matt Pointon West Midlands TUC – and the development of the TUC-WMCA Skills Partnership.

Simon Harris, North Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Citizens Advice

Alexandra Jones, Policy Manager – Gingerbread – The Single Parent Employment Challenge: Overview and Key Findings

Plenary Summary – Elizabeth Taylor CEO Employment Related Services Association (ERSA)

All notes in one document below

Staffs-University-Inclusive-labour-market-Conference-Report-002Download

Looking for help with Digital marketing?

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We are now offering again the opportunity for a student placement to assist you with your digital marketing needs. This placement is credited as part of their course MSc in Digital Marketing Management

To get our Masters students ready for the industry we have two modules:

Digital Marketing Strategy in Practice (Jan to April 2024)

This module will prepare a tri-partite agreement between the student, the academic staff and the organisation as to the focus of the project. During this time the student and the organisation will develop the working relationship and the student will receive access to the data and systems needed to carry out the initial assessment

First, the student will assess the existing marketing practice (using analytics, comparison against four competitors, best practice in the sector and discussion with the organisation as to what they are trying to achieve).

From the evidence strategic options will be prepared and discussed with the organisation and the strategy agreed for the placement. Finally, consideration will be given as to how to make the project sustainable (so that it can continue after the student leaves).

Once there is agreement the tripartite form is completed and signed. This work carried out between January to April 2024.

The Digital Marketing Work Placement

A credited work experience (600 hours) to deliver the project with the organisation concerned. (April to August 2024).

The project can be in any type of organisation e.g. private sector, public sector, charity or a university. It is not essential for the work project activity to take place at the premises – many of the projects have been remotely delivered due to COVID.

Here’s a blog with examples of previous projects our students have completed.

Here is the link to profiles of this year’s students. Please contact them direct to start a conversation. If you have any other issues please contact either Prof Jon Fairburn or Craig Holdcroft 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

  1. We’re not sure what we’re doing with our marketing can you help? You are very suited to a placement. The student will first review your activity and then in discussion with you provide you with options depending on what your needs are.
  2. What is digital marketing? Digital marketing covers a very wide range of techniques to both get your messages out and to get customers to engage with you. From website design, SEO optimisation, content creation (including podcasts, films and blogs), email marketing, social media, PPC campaigns and more – digital marketing is so much more than just social media. In fact, we have found that in general in recent years social media has been quite a way down the list of effective strategic approaches that organisations can take to develop their digital marketing.
  3. We need someone to set up and run some social media accounts? This has been a common request but so often it is based on very little. What are you trying to achieve? Which social media channel matches the personas of your customers? What is the size of your marketing budget for paid adverts on these channels? Most social media channels have been tightened so organic growth can be very small without a budget.
  4. We’re a B2B business can you help? Yes, B2B often requires a different approach to a B2C organisation. B2B organisations are often sitting on unused assets.
  5. What resources will the placement need? A line manager who can respond to updates and proposed work to give feedback. To provide a recommendation on Linkedin at the end of a satisfactorily completed project.
  6. Will we need to pay for the placement? We have had paid and unpaid placements on the course (the work-placement is credited). Placements that are paid are likely to have access to a wider range of possible students. Some companies have paid a stiped for satisfactory completion of the project. We would expect any organisation to pay for any transport costs and meal allowance if working on site.

If you are ready to start, please contact the student direct. If you have any other queries, then please contact one of the staff tutors below

Prof Jon Fairburn jon.fairburn@staffs.ac.uk

Craig Holdcroft craig.holdcroft@staffs.ac.uk

MSc in Digital Marketing Management also recruiting for January 2024 intake

DMM-Project-Agreement-form-2024Download
Outline-of-work-placements-FAQ-2023-24-Download
Project-Brief-for-MSc-Digital-Marketing-Management-Placement-2024Download

Parting Words and Pathways: Learnings and Signing Off at Staffordshire Forensic Partnership (Placement report)

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by Zainab Mansoor on the MSc Digital Marketing Management

As my internship journey with Staffordshire Forensic Partnership draws to a close, I stand at the crossroads of discovery and reflection. In this blog post, I invite you to join me in revisiting the pivotal moments, invaluable lessons, and transformative growth that have defined my time here.

The Journey Began in June!

Clueless, anxious, and a bit ecstatic, my journey at the Staffordshire Forensic Partnership started in June 2023. The three initial feelings were just the tip of the iceberg of what I felt because I always wanted to over-achieve in life. This aspiration has allowed me to push boundaries, overestimate my goals, and eventually strike success in the past. But this time, it was different. I was accompanied by highly professional and trained staff members who helped me pave realistic, timely, achievable, and specific goals. I learned that while confidence is necessary, overconfidence in any workplace can lead to problems. But more on that later!

Planning what I wanted to achieve and do in the placement for my first learning. It was the first step towards realizing that planning is helpful in every facet of life. It helps you strategize, contemplate, and manifest. I was deployed in the company’s social media department and was in charge of generating organic leads. Organic and developing are two intimidating words; how would I have known what people would want to read and/or like?

However, this is where the fun part began. I began to research, conducted a thorough competitive analysis, evaluated strategies, and drafted my version of a testing strategy. Slowly, I began to test my content on different channels; one of my favorites was the mighty LinkedIn. I started by visiting different conferences and workshops, posting blog articles on topics like CSI and the latest forensic trends and interviews with Academics, Police and Students. While the pieces managed to gain traction, the over-arching goal of achieving more kept pushing me to try new ideas.

The growth phase (Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome)

As with all great digital marketers, there is not a one-size-fits-all strategy. Especially in the digital space. There is always a need for improvisation, and this is where I learned the role of content curation during my placement. After creating my blogs, I realized my LinkedIn audience greatly appreciates video-based content. I decided on the idea of creating podcasts with Staffordshire Alumni who were employed in the forensics field. The idea of podcasts was solid because people habitually scroll or listen. This passive content consumption is widespread because it is effortless and allows people to do their work without distraction. It’s like being on social media yet working at the same time.

In the next stage, I could loop in two additional guests after reaching out to different guests and explaining my agenda. I launched the podcasts in their basic formats through audio files, and they garnered an overwhelming response from the community. Not only engagements, but I was also able to grow the organic follower count on LinkedIn. This is where I learned that I had overcome the plateau of engagement, likes, and page reach. Initially, I struggled with Word Press but then when you have the right support, you are always able to get pass through it.

I learned how to do specifications on the website. Working with Police, Academics and to top that in the field of Forensics, it was not easy as you know nothing about the subject. But eventually with time, I learned about the field through different workshops and conferences. I also visited Staffordshire Police Headquarters with an opportunity to meet with their Communications team. I sat with each one of them to know their respective roles and to have all the motivation and inspiration of how do they manager their respective job roles and responsibilities.

Visit to Staffordshire Police Headquarters – Zainab in the fore ground

Bidding a hard farewell

At the end of this placement, I would be remiss if I did not say that I have a whole new perspective on digital marketing. My advice to all future digital marketers is based on different tiers. Tier 1 starts with understanding your audience and who you are primarily reaching; this is very important. Without your audience, you’re just shooting arrows in the dark, which might land, but who’s to know where. Tier 2 involves understanding the audience’s pain points and creating personalized content. This personalization consists of following social media trends or posting enough content to become one.

Pro tip: I suggest pumping lots of content if you’re managing a relatively new page. A suitable method for this is to create a content calendar that allows you to plan ahead. It enables you to estimate the type of posts, maintain diversity, and reach those hungry people.

The last tier involves content monitoring and improvisations at the very best. Content monitoring will help you evaluate the performance of every post, helping you make intelligent decisions.

As I bid farewell to this beautiful place, I only wish to see the page flourish and carry on the foundation to build into a social media giant.

Staffordshire Forensics Partnership – Linked In Twitter Website

Read about another successful Digital marketing placement here – Middleport Pottery

Find out more about the course here MSc Digital Marketing Management which is currently recruiting for a Jan 2024 start.

Staffordshire University Digital Expo 24th October 2023

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Organizers Fay Hutchinson (Careers) and Prof Jon Fairburn

Digital marketing is booming in the UK, a reflection of the UK being the largest ecommerce economy in Europe (2.5 times larger than Germany). The UK also has the highest population share that buy goods online at 87%.

Many digital marketing firms are expanding overseas and there is tough competition to secure workers.

The Expo will include the following:

  • Stands and exhibits
  • Guest talks from academics on a range of digital marketing topics
  • Panels of experts
  • A chance to hear about our courses, especially the work placement elements
  • Insights from local digital marketing companies
  • Talks from a past student on their work placements

If you are a business or organisation that wishes to exhibit (free), give a talk on a topic, take part in a panel or talk about the opportunities you have then please sign up on this link asap. This opportunity is open to any organisation that uses digital marketing (not just digital marketing companies). Talks should aim for between 10-20 mins.

Venue

3-6pm Tues 24th October

Catalyst Building, Leek Road, Staffordshire University, Stoke on Trent ST4 2DF

Schedule

3.15 ’AI and Social Media Marketing’’ with Dr Joe Hazzam

3.35 ‘Working on Digital Marketing at Middleport Pottery’ with Tselmeg Bat-Erdene (who completed her placement at the pottery) and Louise Bartley (Marketing and Comms Manager for Middleport Pottery

4.00 ‘Network branding in SME’S’ with Vicky Roberts

4.20  Panel discussion ‘Trends and developments in digital marketing’ with Craig Holdcroft, Vicky Roberts and Paul Dobson

4.50 Developing the marketing plan for a research institute with Stella Godwin (who completed her placement at the institute) – will include details of this year’s opportunity for a placement

5.10    Using Generative AI with SME’s (the basics of  getting going) with  Craig Holdcroft

5.30 Work placements on the MSc Digital Marketing Management by Prof Jon Fairburn – for businesses or organisations that would like to know more about hosting a work-placement

Courses and training

At Staffordshire University we offer undergraduate, post graduate and professional courses in Digital Marketing

Placements and live briefs

Example of a recent digital marketing placement at Middleport Pottery

Examples of other digital marketing placements

Staff

Paul Dobson – Award Leader for the MSc in Digital Marketing Management

Dr Joe Hazzam – Award Leader for the BA Digital and Social Media Marketing

Kat Mitchell – Award leader for the CIM diploma in Digital Marketing

Craig Holdcroft – Digital marketing

Vicky Roberts – Branding

David Cook – Value creation and branding

Jon Fairburn – Work placements

Any comments or questions please email Fay Hutchinson (logistics) or Jon Fairburn (content)

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Exploring the role of AI in Research

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by Gary McNally (Research Training Manger, RIIS) and Prof Jon Fairburn (Business School)

This is the first in a series of blogs where we will look at the use of Artificial Intelligence in universities, businesses and society.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has advanced significantly in recent years, offering both opportunities and challenges for the research community. We would like to kickstart a conversation about how AI tools like ChatGPT are affecting the landscape of academic research, and how Staffordshire University researchers can avoid being left behind. It is very likely that within a couple of years the use of tools like ChatGPT will be as common to academics as the use of word processors and email.

The Promise and Pitfalls of AI in Research

While AI platforms like ChatGPT have sparked a range of reactions from excitement to skepticism, their application in research has been problematic. Early iterations of these tools have been criticized for the unreliability of their sources and their tendency to “hallucinate” facts.

However, recent improvements in AI technology have begun to mitigate these issues. Some AI models and sites are now capable of identifying research funding opportunities, drafting project briefs, assisting in grant application writing, and even conducting literature reviews with credible sources.

The Competitive Edge in Adoption

Researchers adopting these AI-assisted methodologies are potentially at an advantage, poised to outperform their peers in terms of productivity and efficiency. We know that researchers at other institutions are already incorporating AI tools into their research workflows. We can only assume the same is happening at Staffordshire, but we simply don’t know who, or how.

Next steps at Staffordshire University

The potential for AI in research is huge, but its effective implementation raises important questions for our academic community. To explore these issues, you can join the MS Team – Artificial Intelligence at Staffordshire University (open to all staff and PGRs) with which we will co-ordinate meetings, discussion, resources etc.

We’re sure these conversations are already happening across the University. For those interested in developing this further, or who would like to join the conversation, please contact Professor Jon Fairburn (jon.fairburn@staffs.ac.uk) or Gary McNally (gary.mcnally@staffs.ac.uk)

Resources

General resources

On LinkedIn By Learning there is an excellent and very practical course – How to Research and Write Using Generative AI Tools by Dave Birss – don’t be misled by the title this course is of use to anyone who wants to learn to use ChatGPT

Dave Birss has his own website including a free spreadsheet of prompts you can download

A you tube film of signing up and then 10 common prompts to use in ChatGPT to get started

Fifty different uses for ChatGPT

Research

Youtube – 6 AI tools you’ll actually use for research (excellent quick guide to 6 ai’s) and this by the same author is also good AI-Enhanced Academic Writing: A Step-By-Step Guide for Writing in Half the Time

Teaching

Guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence in University contexts – on a Creative Commons licence so easy to adapt and share

Student uses cases for AI – guidelines for academics using it in teaching

Mollick, Ethan & Mollick, Lilach (2023) Using AI to Implement Effective Teaching Strategies in Classrooms: Give Strategies, including. Prompts University of Pennsylvania

Ethan Mollick’s main blog – lots of articles on here

How to Use AI to Do Stuff: An Opinionated Guide – a good review of the different AI tools (summer 2023) , just note things are moving fast in the field

Examples from business and society

Case Study: Enhanced Customer Service Through AI at Octopus Energy including this key quote “Octopus Energy reported that customer emails answered by the AI achieved an 80% satisfaction rate, significantly higher than the 65% achieved by human workers. Additionally, the AI system greatly improved productivity by handling a considerable portion of customer email inquiries.” Note The Times (8/5/23) reported that the AI was now doing the job of 250 employees.

Software company uses ChatGPT to cut coding down from weeks to day

This is a government case study of an SME that used Defence and Security Accelerator funding to develop what it calls an “ethical” AI application that analyses human behaviour, ostensibly to help spot and safeguard victims of human trafficking.

This is a government case study on a Proof of Concept in the NHS, that uses AI to identify patients at risk of a long stay at hospital, helping to improve interventions and patient outcomes.

Using AI to speed up diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease

For gamers – this demonstrates how the wider games modding community are implementing Chat GPT and AI Voice generation to transform Skyrim (one of the most popular role playing games of the past 20 years)

Hints and Tips for New Students at Staffordshire University

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Starting university can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. For new students at Staffordshire University, here are some helpful hints and tips to navigate your way through your academic journey and make the most of your time at this dynamic institution:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Campus

  • Staffordshire University Campus Map
  • Take a campus tour to locate key buildings, libraries, and student support services.
  • Learn about the facilities available, such as study spaces and computer labs.

2. Get Your Student ID

3. Explore the Student Union

4. Academic Support

  • Utilize the Academic Skills Hub for study resources and workshops.
  • Seek assistance from academic advisors and tutors when needed.

5. Library Resources

  • Discover the extensive library resources available, including e-books, journals, and study spaces.
  • Learn about referencing and citation guidelines.

6. IT Services

  • Familiarize yourself with IT services, including Wi-Fi access and software.
  • Install necessary software on your devices.

7. Time Management

  • Develop effective time management skills to balance your studies and personal life.
  • Consider using apps like Trello or Todoist for task organization.

8. Stay Healthy

Hanley Park has lots of facilities

9. Financial Management

10. Career Services

11. Explore Staffordshire

  • Take breaks from your studies to explore the beautiful county of Staffordshire.
  • Visit local attractions like Trentham Gardens and Alton Towers

12. Useful Apps and websites

13. Seek Help When Needed

  • Don’t hesitate to reach out to student support services for assistance with personal, academic, or mental health concerns.

Starting university is an exciting journey filled with opportunities for personal and academic growth. By following these hints and tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your time at Staffordshire University and create lasting memories during your academic adventure.

Remember, you’re not alone—there’s a supportive community waiting to welcome you to Staffordshire University!

A guide to food and drink in Shelton

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by Walter Vundla (international student)

PAK FOODS  

PAK FOODS is a supermarket that offers a variety of international products. It first opened in 1989 as a convenience store under the name Pricewise in Lenton, Nottingham and then changed to PAK FOODS in 1996.  

The Stoke-on-Trent, Shelton branch opened in 2007. The organisation offers ethnic, hard-to-find and great tasting foods (parkfoods.net, 2023). The products are at an affordable price as the concept of value is important to the consumers and the organisation. The store is located at 50 Stoke Road, Shelton, ST24 2QX. The store is opened Monday to Saturday from 08:30am to 20:00pm and from 11:00am to 17:00pm on Sundays.  

Pak Foods on the Stoke Road – fresh veg, meat and lots more

Product Range 

Meat and Poultry  

PAK Foods sell quality fresh meat and poultry and has had excellent prices for at least 10 years. PAK Foods offers 100% Halal meat and poultry and believes in quality, value, and an exceptional customer service. All the meat suppliers are carefully chosen, and local suppliers are chosen wherever possible. PAK Foods also offer marinated chicken and other selected meats ready for either barbecues or making a tasty meal.  

 Fruit and Vegetables  

All the fruits and vegetables are delivered daily to ensure quality and its freshness. PAK Foods prides itself at having a vast range that are rarely found in other supermarkets. Fruits like sweet Pakistani mangoes, Greek watermelon, Mirabelle plum, India cactus figs, yellow dragon fruits and many others. Vegetables like, kale, spinach, cabbage, lettuce, yellow pumpkin, green pumpkin, okra, chilli, and other products. PAK Foods is always on the lookout for some ways to improve on its local suppliers.  

World Foods 

PAK Foods has food ingredients to cover most of the worlds famous recipes. Herbs, spices, and sauces to bring the recipes to life and the taste that the consumers may need. A fantastic range of Asian, African, Europeans and Mediterranean to choose from depending on a consumer taste. Other world foods include, Basmati and Tilda rice, Iwisa maize meal.  

Hair products 

PAK Foods also has hair products suitable for all types of hair.  

Contact details 

Telephone – 01782 749555 

Instagram – @pakfoods_official   Facebook – @PAK FOODS     

Website – pakfoods.net  Email – stokeontrent@pakfoods.net  

Chaiiwala  

Chaiiwala is food and drink restaurant that offers a variety of cuisines. However, it is known for its Karak Chaii tea that has made the brand to be known globally. The organisation was found in 1927 on the streets of New Delhi. It has 100 years of history and tradition (chaiiwala.co.uk, 2023). Chaiiwala has over 50 stores across the UK (United Kingdom) and has potential to expand. The organisation is on its way to become a global brand with franchise opportunities around the world (chaiiwala.co.uk, 2023).  

Chaiiwala differentiate itself through not compromising on quality and service. The committed has enabled the organisation to become a brand and be one of the fastest growing businesses. The Stoke-on-Trent branch is in Shelton, 119 College Road, ST4 2EE. The store is open Monday to Friday from 08:30am to 00:00am and Saturday and Sunday from 09:00 to 00:00am. Consumers can order food and get them delivered to their home.  

Chaiiwala Menu  

Hot Drinks  

Karak Chaii – it is a well brewed strong tea. Can be served in regular or large. It is gluten free and suitable for vegetarians.  

Pink Chaii – it is a creamy, milky pink tea with aromatic spices.  

Mint Tea – black tea with fresh mint leaves.  

English Tea – the everyday cup with a splash of milk.  

Cold Drinks  

Mango Falooda – mango milkshake with ice cream.  

Limbu Pani – a cloudy refreshing lemon drink. 

Iced Karak Chaii – strong brewed tea with ice and caramel  

Iced Karak Coffee – Milky coffee with ice and caramel  

All Day Breakfast 

Desi Breakfast – Masala omelette with masala beans, daal or chana with your choice of two classic rotis/parathas/toast and a karak chaii or karak coffee.  

English-Ish Breakfast – masala omelette with masala beans, two lamb bacon rasher, two sausages, and two slices of toast.  

Omelette Wrap – Fresh masala omelette wrapped in a classic roti.  

Shakshuka – Soft running eggs in tomato and onion curry, served with flaky paratha perfect for dipping.  

The menu has a variety of other foods and dessert that consumers can enjoy. Street food like vegetarian kebab roll, masala chips, Mumbai Mac ‘N’ Cheese. Meals can be served as vegan or vegetarian, depending on the consumer’s choice.  

Contact details  

Telephone – 01782 498749    Instagram – @chaiiwala   Facebook – @Chaiiwala Twitter – @chaiiwala 

Hawasana Afghan Cuisine  

Hawasana Afghan Cuisine is an online takeaway delivery service and a dine in restaurant that is based in Stoke-on-Trent. The restaurant’s mission is to bring value for money for money, services, and food, However, the restaurant is working on improving its services in Staffordshire.  

Hawasana offers a wide range of starters, kebabs, rice, drinks, desserts, biryani, and many other cuisines that may be of interests to consumers. The Stoke-on-Trent branch is based at 77 Stoke Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2HQ. The restaurant opens Monday to Sunday from 14:00pm to 23:00pm.  

Hawasana Afghan menu  

Starters  

Starters include Tandoori Mix Kebab, Lamb Tikka Kebab, Chicken Tika Kebab, Koffta Kebab, Bolani and many others to choose from.  

Mains 

Qabuli Pilau – A mixture of lamb or chicken, rice, sultanas, and carrots which are cooked in a steamed dish to give it a special flavour and taste.  

Qurma Pilau – Boiled rice steamed with a touch of oil and cumin to give a delicious taste, served with any qurma dish.  

Pacha Pilau Special – this dish is served with pilau and fresh salad.  

Afghan Traditional  

8 Pcs Mantoo – steamed pasta filled with mince, onion, and herbs, served with special sauce.  

Shorba – lamb, potato, and carrot soup. A simple and tasty dish Afghan Shorba served with naan bread.  

Half Kg Lamb Karahi – Slowly cooked in our special spice, fresh tomatoes, green chilli, garlic served with fresh naan bread.  

One Kg Chicken Karahi – Slowly cooked in our special spice, fresh tomatoes, green chilli, garlic served with fresh naan bread. 

One Kg Lamb Kahari – Slowly cooked in our special spice, fresh tomatoes, green chilli, garlic served with fresh naan bread. 

Kebabs (in Afghan style)  

Choppan Kebab (on the bone), Lamb tikka kebab, koffta kebab, chicken garlic and pepper kebab, tandoori mix kebab and 5-piece lamb chop.  

https://www.hawasana.net/storemenu this is link to the restaurant menu.  

Contact details  

Facebook – @Hawasana Afghan Cuisine Telephone – 01782911141 

Here’s a detailed review of Hawasana by Moorlands Eater (the best food blogger in the area) – note it is from 2019 so prices have probably changed a bit

Rice N 3 

Rice N 3 is a restaurant based in Stoke-on-Trent that sells Indian street food. Rice N 3 strive to improve their services and quality so that they can provide an exceptional customer experience. Consumers can order their food online and be delivered to their homes. This is a new development to make consumers to order and get their food delivered. Rice N 3 also offers affordable prices. 

The restaurant is in Shelton, 78 Ashford Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2EN. It is a walking distance from the campus and from the train station. It is opened Monday to Saturday from 12:00pm to 22:00pm and closed on Sundays. 

Rice N 3 menu  

Rice N 3 – rice and any three of the curries freshly cooked (lamb on bone, chicken on bone with spinach, tarka Dall, mixed vegetable jalfrezi, keema and peas and boneless chicken Kahari.  

Desi thug munch box – Comes on naan bread, 2 Seekh kebabs, 2 meat samosas, chips, sizzling chicken tikka and donner, salad and sauce of your choice and two drinks.  

Fully Loaded fries – can choose from any combination of your choice.  

Authentic biryani – can choose from meat samosas, vegetable samosas, kebab chaat, keema biryani, vegetable pakora portion.  

https://foodhub.co.uk/stoke-on-trent/Rice-N-3/ordernow this link will take you to the FOODHUB where they can see the menu. 

Contact details  

Telephone – 01782911323  Facebook @Rice N 3   Instagram @rice_n_3 

Other Places on Campus 

The Catalyst kitchen – it is in the Catalyst building and it offers hot drinks, salads, soup, shakes and smoothies, jacket potatoes, etc.  

In the Catalyst Building, Leek Road campus

Verve – it is in LRV, opposite the Catalyst building. It offers a wide range of foods and alcoholic beverages as well.  

The Verve on Leek Road Campus – student union

Ember lounge – it is next to the Student Union building in College Road.  

Ember Lounge, Stoke Road campus

Pavilion – it is in College Road. It offers burritos and wraps.   

Pavilion on College Road

Squeeze Box, College Road drinks and snacks

Squeeze Box, College Road campus

Sweet and Spice – It is a takeaway shop based 128 Boughey Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2BB.  

Sweet and Spice – Leek Road