2020 has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging years in history for 海角视频 businesses.
A global pandemic meant many firms had to juggle strict government restrictions with an attempt to navigate uncharted waters and keep their businesses afloat.
While some were forced to make difficult decisions to safeguard their future, others used 2020 as an opportunity to diversify and adapt.
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Now, as we look forward to 2021, we asked leaders from the region which businesses we should look out for over the next 12 months.
In no particular order, their nominations are:
Addmaster - nominated by the Staffordshire Business Innovation Centre (BIC)
For the last 20 years, Addmaster has been championing hygiene through the use of its Biomaster antimicrobial technology which protects products from bacteria and viruses.
But - for obvious reasons - 2020 has been the Stafford company's 'best ever' year.
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Over the last 12 months, Addmaster's performance-enhancing additives have been adopted by an increasing number of hospitals and healthcare facilities as part of the nation's fight against coronavirus.
Its products are also being used by big-name clients including Dulux, Dyson, M&S and Asda, on shopping trolleys and by the aviation sector to prevent bacteria and viruses growing on airport trays and aircraft interiors.
Now, after enjoying a sales increase of more than 60 per cent this year, Addmaster founder and CEO Paul Morris - who was awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours list - has promised that 2021 will be a 'big year' for the company.
Bloom - Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District (BID)
Ian Orton and Jack Hardy opened the Bloom cocktail bar in Hanley's Cultural Quarter in 2019 with a vision to bring the 'Manchester vibe' to Stoke-on-Trent.
The pair spent £60,000 refurbishing the former Size? unit into a botanical themed-venue before officially opening in time for Christmas.
Since then, the bar has become extremely popular with visitors to the city centre and has become known for its extravagant cocktails, sumptuous food and 'bottomless brunch.'
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Earlier this year, the business announced that it is planning to open another venue in neighbouring Newcastle-under-Lyme, but further details of the venture are being kept under wraps. So watch this space!
C2C - nominated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce
C2C are a professional consultancy providing structural and civil engineering design services to a variety of clients in multiple sectors such as residential, education, healthcare, commercial and leisure.
The Shelton company is made up of a small team of chartered engineers and technicians which have over 25 years of experience in this specialist field. Their primary clients include architects, developers, contractors, steel fabricators and domestic homeowners.
The company first launched in 2018, however the pandemic saw them re-valuate their priorities and they decided to expand their services to enable the completion of larger multidisciplinary consultancies on large scale projects.
Following an investment in new technology and software, their ultimate aim is to have multiple offices in 'key locations' to allow them to tap into markets in some of the 海角视频's biggest cities including Manchester, Birmingham and London.
Mondrem - nominated by Keele University
Not-for-profit public service transformation company Mondrem have moved from strength-to-strength in a year that has been difficult for all - and the community interest company is set for a bright future in 2021.
Located in Keele University’s Innovation Centre 6, the company has been taking full advantage of its surroundings in 2020, collaborating with other businesses in the building as well as accessing Keele’s talented students and graduates.
Over the course of the year, Mondrem hired a total of eight Keele interns and employed six of the interns to full-time work.
Mondrem's growth and collaboration has also led to the creation of Wayfinder which focuses on community mental health services, as well as a new project called Nurture that is designed to help communities benefit from the connection between nature and wellbeing.
Cabbunk - nominated by the Staffordshire Business Innovation Centre (BIC)
Cabbunk was born out of Richard Olphin's desire to fit more people into his motorhome following the birth of his second grandchild in 2012.
He spent two years developing Cabbunk Twin – a unique, temporary child bed system that fits into the cab of campervans and motorhomes – so he could take his grandaughters on holiday with him.
Today more than 80 per cent of patented Cabbunk systems are being exported across the globe to places including the USA, Germany and France.
And in 2020 - with restrictions on travelling abroad and more people looking for ways to take family holidays safely - the 11-strong company has seen turnover increase by 55 per cent and profit rise by 69 per cent.
In 2021, the Blythe Bridge firm is planning trips to the USA - as early as Covid allows - in order to take on three trade distributors.
It is also developing another product for caravans and campervans which it will be patenting in 2021.
It's biggest ambition for the next 12 months, however, is to double the size of the business for the third consecutive year and gain a Queen's Award for Export 'as soon as possible.'
Goodwins Jewellers - Stoke-on-Trent Business Improvement District (BID)
Goodwins Jewellers is the longest established shop in Hanley.
It was founded in 1874 by Charles Edwin Henry Goodwin and 146 years later, the business is still going strong and is still in the hands of a Goodwin - Susan Goodwin.
The business has grown significantly over the years, expanding from its original small shop in Hope Street to its current premises, still in Hope Street, which consists of two additional properties which were knocked through.
It boasts the largest range of wedding rings in the area and has grown from just a retail shop to also being a jewellery manufacturing and repair business.
This year, Goodwins Jewellers is entering its 147th year in business and has recently signed up to a new loyalty scheme which is being introduced by the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID which will see shoppers rack up points when spending in the city centre.
Round Peg Outdoor Buildings - nominated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce
Garden building manufacturer Round Peg Outdoor Buildings was established in January 2020 by former colleagues Sallyann Smith and Adam Timmis.
They secured a start-up loan to fund the raw materials, rent a unit and purchase machinery and received their first delivery of timber on March 24 - the day of national lockdown.
After taking a two-week break, they decided to go back to work and were soon contacted by potential customers wanting to transform their garden during lockdown.
The Burton company faced a number of challenges during the pandemic, including a severe timber shortage in the 海角视频 which is still continuing to this day.
Despite this, Round Peg has continued to work and fulfil orders without cancellations by continually keeping in touch with existing customers through regular newsletters, emails and phone calls. The firm is also winning new orders and their reputation is growing.
Over the next 12 months, the company is looking to expand and relocate to bigger premises where they can develop a show site to display the buildings.
Moneyshake - nominated by Keele University
Car lease price comparison site Moneyshake began their journey in 2019 and have since seen fast growth which shows no signs of slowing down as they head into 2021.
In its first 12 months, the company delivered more than £5 million of written vehicle contracts. It also formed key commercial partnerships with MoneySuperMarket and Clearscore, running their car leasing channels.
More recently, Moneyshake secured a seven-figure investment from the former managing director of a fortune 500-listed motor group.
The business, which is based on the Keele Science and Innovation Park, has also been working closely with Keele University, teaming up with students and academics for business data research projects and internship support.
Over the next 12 months, the company - which has expanded its office space three times - hopes to more than double its 10-strong workforce with the addition of 12 new positions in 2021.
The Slamwich Club - nominated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce
The Slamwich Club opened its Hanley-based restaurant in 2018.
It specialises in grilled stacked sandwiches full of different flavours that you won't find anywhere else.
Since the beginning, the business has focused on staff development and leadership skills and has also implemented a robust environmental performance policy - only using recyclable take-out products and using an electric bike for eco-deliveries.
The company has seen positive growth over the last few years and has visions to expand to different cities.
The owners are already on the hunt for new premises and, with keen interest from investors, they hope to franchise within the next three years.
The Staffordshire Gin Company - nominated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce
The Staffordshire Gin Company opened in 2018 to manufacture and produce a range of premium specialist spirits.
During the pandemic, the Newcastle company turned its hand to making hand sanitiser when supplies were at an all-time low and the country needed it most.
The firm collaborated with small distilleries across the 海角视频 and gave a huge amount to local emergency services as part of the relief effort.
It has also recently expanded with the opening of the Castletown Distillery Bar and Shop in Newcastle town centre.
Moving forward, the company plans to explore further export destinations - having already secured custom in Singapore - to take its products to customers worldwide.