Local creative business wins South Staffordshire Council contract through FinditinStoke&Staffs
June 9, 2026
A Staffordshire creative business has highlighted the value of local procurement after securing a South Staffordshire Council contract through FinditinStoke&Staffs, helping to deliver a major project promoting independent food and drink businesses across the district.
FinditinStoke&Staffs member, Outlands Creative, a graphic design and food photography business, was appointed by South Staffordshire Council to develop and produce the South Staffordshire Good Food & Drink Guide after successfully responding to an opportunity advertised through FinditinStoke&Staffs.
Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the project was designed to showcase the district’s vibrant hospitality sector, highlighting a diverse range of independent cafés, restaurants, pubs and bars while encouraging residents and visitors to explore South Staffordshire’s villages and support local businesses.
The opportunity required the successful supplier to create photography, graphics and written content for participating venues, as well as produce both digital and printed versions of the guide.
For Outlands Creative founder Melanie Morris, winning the contract represented a significant milestone for the business, which had been trading for just over a year at the time.
“I was absolutely delighted when I received the call to say I had been successful,” said Melanie.
“As a sole trader and relatively new business, being selected over more established businesses and agencies was a huge confidence boost and validation that my services were professional and valuable.”
Following appointment, Outlands Creative worked closely with South Staffordshire Council’s Business Enterprise Team to develop and deliver the guide, engaging directly with hospitality businesses across the district to create content that would showcase the breadth and quality of the local food and drink offer.
She added: “The team at South Staffordshire Council were fantastic to work with. They were supportive, forward-thinking and collaborative throughout the project. They were clear about what they wanted to achieve but also trusted me to bring ideas to the table and deliver the project. It genuinely felt like being an extension of their team.”
Wayne Dutton, Enterprise Team Manager at South Staffordshire Council said: “Promoting the opportunity on the Finditin platform allowed us not only to open it up to local Staffordshire-based businesses, but also to identify specialist local suppliers we may not otherwise have been aware of. The successful outcome validated that decision, and we have since gone on to use the services of Outlands Creative again on other projects.”
The project demonstrates the positive impact that local procurement can have on regional economies, connecting organisations with local expertise while creating opportunities for smaller businesses to grow and develop.
Outlands Creative discovered the opportunity through FinditinStoke&Staffs, a free business engagement platform that connects buyers with suppliers across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
“Without FinditinStoke&Staffs, I would almost certainly have missed this opportunity,” said Melanie. “The project not only helped my business grow but also enabled me to build valuable relationships and connections that continue today. It shows how important it is for local businesses to have visibility of opportunities in their area.”
The South Staffordshire Good Food & Drink Guide is available to download online and continues to showcase the district’s independent hospitality sector, helping visitors discover the area’s hidden gems while supporting local businesses.
Good Food Guide: South Staffordshire good food and drink guide | South Staffordshire District Council
For more information about FinditinStoke&Staffs and opportunities available to local suppliers, visit www.FinditinStokeandStaffs.co.uk.
