The Government has announced a £120 million support package for the UK ceramics industry, described as a landmark decision and turning point for the sector.
The funding announced in Parliament today follows mounting pressure from manufacturers warning rising costs are threatening jobs and investment.
Experts say the package will propel the sector into a new period of innovation, safeguarding jobs and putting it on a sustainable pathway for the future.
The sum is made up of £60 million for new equipment with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, and a further £60 million to cover operational costs.
The final design of the support scheme will be developed in partnership with Staffordshire-based trade organisation Ceramics UK.
Chief Executive Rob Flello said: “This is a turning point for the sector, with the Government taking decisive action that recognises the fundamental role of ceramics in the UK economy.
“It should propel us ahead into the years and the decades to come, and once more make the UK’s ceramic industry the talk of the world.
“With a focus on decarbonisation, it can create investment in new equipment and technology that will champion innovation, while safeguarding jobs and putting the sector on a more sustainable footing for the future.”
He said today’s announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves surpasses calls for ceramics to be included in the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, adding that the new package offers ‘much more targeted support geared to the unique needs of our sector’.
Ceramics UK said its priority is to ensure the scheme works for all ceramics companies of all sizes.
North Staffordshire MPs Gareth Snell, Allison Gardner, David Williams and Adam Jogee, have repeatedly pressed the Government in Parliament to act and have all welcomed the announcement today.
Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Adam Jogee, who introduced a new Parliamentary Bill backing British-made bricks earlier this year, said: “This announcement is much needed and long overdue. The ceramics industry is not just at the heart of North Staffordshire’s past – it must shape our future.
“We cannot build the homes, hospitals, and infrastructure our United Kingdom needs without ceramics and British bricks.”
Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, GMB National Secretary, added: “GMB has been calling for the Government to step up support for energy intensive industry.
“This is a hugely welcome step in the right direction and will be reassurance to workers in our chemicals and ceramics industry that Government is finally listening.”
- A report featured in Daily Focus this morning highlighted the sector’s potential to drive economic growth, innovation and create high-quality local jobs with the right action taken but said it had not been given sufficient government backing. Read more here.
I’m so glad that the Government has provided this funding. I hope the money is used wisely, maybe to help to produce green hydrogen for the kilns?