Kate Holt is the Managing Director of BusinessLodge and has played a pivotal role in driving its growth and expansion in Stoke-on-Trent, with a second £1.5million space opening earlier this year.

The University of Staffordshire Sports and Leisure Management Alumna was heavily involved in the hockey team and was a member of the British Universities cricket team during her time studying in Stoke-on-Trent in the 1990s, a city she’s never forgotten.

Since 2014 Kate has led the growth of BusinessLodge, supporting clients to build their businesses, growing and supporting the local economy. A role which is echoed in the Northwest where Kate also oversees and is leading the expansion of sites in Widnes and Bury.

Kate has personally overseen the company’s investment into Heron House which has transformed a former NHS and Midlands Electricity Board building into a high-quality, 20,000 sq. ft flexible workspace in Heron Cross, bringing a prominent building back into use and contributing to the area’s regeneration. It has reached 29% occupancy within just four months, with further phases set to expand its capacity to around 300 workstations supporting up to 50 businesses.

Kate also oversees the continued success of Trent House in Fenton, which opened in 2019 and has become a well-established base for a wide range of businesses. Together, these two sites position BusinessLodge as a key provider of flexible workspace in the city, supporting companies at every stage of their journey.

While Stoke-on-Trent is a major focus of recent investment and growth, Kate also leads the wider BusinessLodge portfolio, including expanding sites in Widnes and Bury. She was instrumental in overseeing the opening of the Widnes site, after a total redevelopment.

Over the past 12 months, Kate has successfully navigated significant challenges while continuing to grow the business. Like many organisations, BusinessLodge has faced rising cost pressures, including increased National Insurance contributions, higher energy costs and general inflationary pressures. At the same time, clients have been managing tighter budgets, requiring a careful balance between maintaining high service standards and remaining competitively priced.

Kate has responded by maintaining close control of financial performance while reinforcing the value of the BusinessLodge offering. By focusing on flexibility, quality and service, the business has continued to attract and retain clients despite a challenging economic climate. As a result, BusinessLodge has delivered consistent growth in sales turnover, underpinned by sustained demand for high-quality, flexible workspace. This upward trajectory is set to continue into 2026, supported by increased capacity following Heron House’s opening.

Kate’s focus now is on building on the strong foundations established in Stoke-on-Trent while continuing to strengthen the wider business. Further expansion is planned, with Phase 4 at Trent House set to deliver an additional 100 workstations over the next 12 months, while future phases at Heron House will add a further 80 workstations. Alongside this, continued growth across Widnes and Bury will further enhance the BusinessLodge network. Phase four of expansion at the Widnes office will see space for another 100 workstations.

At the same time, a new training platform will be introduced to support team development and ensure consistently high standards. With strong occupancy levels, sustained demand for flexible workspace and a clear growth strategy, the business is well positioned for the future.

Kate Holt has entered the Alumni Business Person of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.