Global pottery firm Steelite International has reported a strong 22% rise in turnover in its latest financial results, while cautioning that trading conditions remain challenging amid ongoing economic pressures.
The Group reported turnover of £118.8 million for the year to 31 December 2025, an increase of 22% from £97.4 million in 2024.
Pre-tax profits stood at £2.6 million compared to a £1.92 million loss in 2024.
Steelite, which provides complete tabletop solutions to the hospitality industry in more than 130 countries, said the uplift reflects a full year of trading from Utopia Tableware, acquired in June 2024.
The Stoke-on-Trent ceramics group said the integration of Utopia had strengthened its UK and Irish operations. The combined distribution platform now offers customers access to an expanded product portfolio.
However, turnover from the rest of the group fell, which the company has put down to “a consequence of challenging market conditions impacting trade across all of the geographical markets which the Group operates, and an internal restructure affecting the way in which the Group serves the UKI market.”
Steelite cites above‑inflation increases in the National Living Wage, higher employee National Insurance contributions, and ongoing geopolitical pressures as current challenges.
Management continued a series of cost‑control initiatives throughout 2025 and into 2026 to refine external pressures. The average monthly headcount fell to 776 from 858 in 2024, reflecting reductions across manufacturing and administrative roles at the Group’s Stoke-on-Trent site.
Servicing of the UK and Irish markets were transitioned to Utopia Tableware’s Chaterfield operations in March 2025. A strategic report states certain legacy Steelite customers continue to be serviced from Stoke-on-Trent, but these operations are expected to transition to Utopia in 2026.
Gross margin increased to 36.7% (2024: 32.7%), reversing the prior year’s decline despite rising raw material and labour costs. Margin improvements were supported by lower energy costs, a price increase implemented early in 2025, and the favourable mix from Utopia’s product ranges.
Looking ahead, Director Jon Cameron said in a report: “The Group continues to focus on maximising sales of manufactured product. In 2026, the Group will also start to supply ranges sourced from Utopia Via its existing EU warehouse operation to further grow into the European market.”
