The UK’s ceramics industry has been ‘ignored where it matters most’, according to a national trade body reacting to the announcement of a new Government scheme to help with energy costs.
The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) will cut electricity bills for 10,000 firms in energy intensive industries but sector leaders, unions and local MPs have raised concerns that it excludes most ceramic manufacturers.
It comes after hoped-for support for the industry failed to materialise in the Government’s 10-year industrial strategy announced in June last year.
Ceramics UK believes further support on energy costs is urgently needed to protect the industry, which produces materials used in aerospace, defence, construction, clean energy, electronics, homewares and giftware.
The body says while its members should qualify for these electricity-based schemes, the sector’s gas-intensive nature also exposes it to broader energy volatility, particularly in light of ongoing global events.
Rob Flello, CEO of Ceramics UK, said: “We have heard warm words from Government on multiple occasions about the heritage, skill, innovation and critical position of ceramics within UK manufacturing only to be, once again, excluded from vital energy support.
“The ceramics sector is critical to the UK economy, contributing over £2 billion each year and producing items and components that are used in homes and businesses across the country and the world.
“We don’t yet have the technology or necessary infrastructure to operate without gas, so it’s increasingly important that the Government consider the broader impact of all energy costs, not just electricity.”
Staffordshire MPs including Gareth Snell, Leigh Ingham, David Williams and Adam Jogee have all fought on behalf of the ceramics industry in the House of Commons following the announcement.
Gareth challenged Peter Kyle, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, and said the Government is forcing reliance on imported bricks rather than making them in Staffordshire.
The Secretary of State confirmed he is willing to visit Stoke-on-Trent to meet manufacturers and hear their concerns.
Rob added: “At the moment, our industry is being ignored and, while the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, has committed to speak to the sector specifically, I cannot stress enough how urgent it is that we see swift intervention on energy bills for our members.
“Ceramics UK are calling for an immediate reconsideration of the BICS criteria, where it is particularly baffling that certain ceramic goods are excluded from eligibility while comparable products from other sectors are being included. Government’s review into the EII Supercharger Scheme also needs to be brought forward as soon as possible.”
Gareth said: “Ministerial visits and meetings are not enough. We’ve met with ministers; indeed the ceramics businesses themselves met with ministers just two weeks ago.
“We’ve repeatedly warned government about the severe consequences for the ceramics sector if they continue to be left out of these schemes and strategies and still we find ourselves in the same position.
“‘We’ll meet and we’ll listen’, but now the government must respond to what the sector and I have been telling them we need in order to survive before we lose this national asset forever.”
GMB Union said members in world famous manufacturing sectors are ‘sickened at the lack of support’ in the BICS scheme.
General Secretary Gary Smith said: “Gas intensive industries in the UK have been shamefully ignored by the Government in this announcement – it’s a total disgrace.
“GMB members grafting in our world-famous ceramics sector and making the bricks that build our nation are sickened at the lack of support.
“Workers in manufacturing companies across the UK need urgent help – this isn’t it.”
- Denby Pottery, parent company of Stoke-on-Trent’s Burgess and Leigh, home of Burleigh Pottery, has launched a petition calling for support for the ceramics industry. It has attracted more than 38,500 signatures so far meaning it will receive a formal Government response. If it hits 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for a debate in Parliament. To sign it, follow this link.
