Smithfield Works, in Stoke-on-Trent city centre, is not your ordinary co-working and office rental establishment.

Whilst premium managed space is available and is an attraction in itself for start-ups and larger companies, there is something quite unique which has formed since Genr8 developments opened the doors in 2022.

Situated in the heart of the cultural quarter, Smithfield Works has become a networking hub all in itself – not just for businesses in general but for a creative collective who often use the space for exhibitions and collaborative events.

It’s that collaboration which shines throughout and sees partnerships with surrounding businesses with member offers provided and forged via the help of Community Manager Adele Simmons.

Homeware brand Morphy Richards – one of the first office tenants – grew during its time at the Hanley location before relocating in April because it needed larger premises.

A 60-strong team from Ticketmaster Sport joined the business community at Smithfield Works in December 2024 with Barclays Corporate Banking also taking up home earlier that year.

Regular business events add to the buzz with CONNECTS hosting networking events at Smithfield Works for more than 12 months.

Various community events are organised by Smithfield Works, mainly outdoors in the public space between the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery and the Hilton Hotel on the Smithfield estate.

This summer will see a month-long Smithfield Summer event taking place which will be free for families to attend.

Smithfield Works has entered the High Street Impact, Business in the Community and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.