Friendly Stoke.
Joe moved to Stoke-on-Trent after graduating from university with an Undergraduate degree in Politics and History, followed by a Masters Degree in International Relations. He joined an accountancy firm, where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant, before working as an auditor for several years across several firms (including the Big 4). He is now a Financial Controller, leading the finance team for a water company, based in Stoke-on-Trent.
What do you like about Stoke-on-Trent?
It is a good location for many of the UK’s attractions, the people are very friendly, and costs are generally more affordable. It has a rich cultural heritage too. Stoke was the home of Josiah Wedgwood, who is credited as being the ‘father of management accounting’, this is particularly exciting as an accountant!
Where would you recommend visitors see?
World of Wedgwood is very impressive, as is the Emma Bridgewater factory. Both of these are real local success stories. There are also a number of National Trust buildings, many of which are from the Tudor era and have retained original features.
What is the main industry in Stoke-on-Trent?
JCB, BET365 and Bentley motors are some of the existing companies who have a major presence in the area. There are also the remnants of the pottery industry, of course. Stoke-on-Trent played an important role during the industrial revolution, on account of the area’s abundance of coal and clay. A specialist hospital is also a big employer here - the Royal Stoke - patients are transferred here from other parts of the country.
Can you tell us a bit about the history of Stoke-on-Trent’s industry?
In the past, the big industries were the potteries, steel works and mining. Stoke-on-Trent is considered to be the home of pottery manufacture in the UK.
Any interesting facts?
Britain’s highest taxpayer - Denise Coates, the Chief Executive of Bet 365 - lives in Stoke-on-Trent.
Famous former Stoke inhabitants include the Captain of the Titanic and World’s Strongest Man 2016 (Eddie Hall)!