Sarah Bancroft

Economy and Business Editor

Business journalist covering manufacturing, retail and start-ups across the West and East Midlands for over ten years. Economics graduate of the University of Birmingham.

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Articles by Sarah(18)

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Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Businesses Can Access Up to £100,000 Interest-Free Loans

A new Scale Up Staffordshire programme offers vital funding for SMEs to invest in growth, equipment, and site development across the city and county.

23 October 2026Economy

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East Midlands Authority Partners with NatWest to Boost Youth Employment

A new initiative aims to connect over 10,000 young people with employment, training, and entrepreneurship opportunities across the region.

23 October 2026Economy

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Coventry & Warwickshire Attracts Strong International Investment

Region secures 47 FDI projects in 2025/26, creating over 1,700 new jobs despite national decline.

21 October 2026Economy

Generic image of a red-brick Victorian industrial heritage building in The Midlands, with green hedgerowed fields in the background under an overcast sky.

Staffordshire Economy Boosted by Investment and Skills Development

County Council reports significant growth in employment sites, business support, and post-16 education funding.

20 October 2026Economy

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Warwickshire Business Support Programmes Extended Until 2028

County Council funding secured for key initiatives aimed at fostering growth, innovation, and job safeguarding for local businesses.

16 October 2026Economy

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Beacon Awards 2026: Judging Panel Announced for Lichfield District

A distinguished panel of leaders from business, culture, and the community will select outstanding local businesses and individuals for this year's awards.

15 October 2026Business

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Kazoo Printing Doubles Output with Council Loan

Cannock firm secures £100,000 interest-free loan to boost productivity and win new contracts.

13 October 2026Business

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East Midlands Secures £20m for Innovation, Targeting 1,700+ Jobs

A regional partnership, backed by the Mayor, has secured significant funding to drive advancements in manufacturing and clean energy.

13 October 2026Economy

Red-brick industrial heritage buildings in the East Midlands with green countryside.

East Midlands Secures £66m Investment for Homes, Jobs, and Green Growth

Mayor of the East Midlands announces significant funding to regenerate brownfield sites, boost town centres, and support business expansion across the region.

12 October 2026Economy

Construction site for the new Innovation Centre in Redditch town centre.

Ground Broken on Redditch Innovation Centre

New £16.6m facility, funded by the Government's Towns Fund, aims to boost business growth and innovation in the town centre.

12 October 2026Business

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Sarum Hardwood Structures Relocates to New Skellingthorpe Premises

Timber bridge specialists move from Mercury House to establish their first dedicated manufacturing facility, signalling significant growth and local investment.

12 October 2026Business

West Nottinghamshire College building exterior.

West Nottinghamshire College Retains Prestigious 'Gold College of Excellence' Award

The college has been recognised for its high standards in beauty therapy training and strong industry partnerships for the third consecutive year.

12 October 2026Business

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