Discussions are continuing about how a newly announced £120 million support package for the UK ceramics industry will help businesses.
Peter Kyle, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade visited the Emma Bridgewater factory on Friday, following Thursday’s landmark announcement of £60 million of capital funding to help manufacturers invest in new equipment to support energy efficiency and long-term stability, and a further £60 million to cover operational costs.
The Business Secretary met with staff, toured the facilities and discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
Talks focussed on how the support package will help businesses invest in modern equipment, improve energy efficiency and manage rising operational costs.
Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Gareth Snell said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Secretary of State to Stoke‑on‑Trent and to showcase just one of the many businesses set to benefit from the government’s support package.
“For too long, the ceramics sector has been overlooked, so I am delighted that after months of sustained lobbying, this government has listened and taken decisive action.
“This package will make a real difference to those working across the industry, which is built on generations of skill, heritage and pride.
“It will help secure the industry’s future, and by continuing to strengthen the partnership between government and the sector, we can ensure ceramics in Stoke‑on‑Trent not only survives but thrives.”
The support package announcement has been described as a ‘turning point’ for the sector by Staffordshire-based trade body Ceramics UK.
As the announcement was made, the Business Secretary said: “At a time of global uncertainty it’s never been more important to ensure Britain’s resilience and back the industries our country depends on, and this funding will support thousands of jobs and put businesses on a secure footing for the long term.
“This is what a strategic state looks like: acting swiftly with targeted support in the national interest and giving certainty to the industries crucial to both our everyday lives and our economic future.”
Talking about Stoke-on-Trent during an interview with BBC Radio Stoke on Friday, he added: “I want the whole community to face the future with confidence knowing their traditional and core business will be there into the future in a modern setting, being able to be productive, thriving and profitable into the future.”
Manufacturers have continued reacting to the support package news.
Global homewares brand group Portmeirion Group, headquartered in Stoke-on-Trent, has long called for meaningful Government support, including a fairer deal on energy costs.CEO Michael Scheepers said it was ‘encouraging’ to see the Government take action and that its ‘recognises the important role that our sector contributes to British industry’.
He added: “We look forward to finding out further details of how the scheme will function and working with industry partners to make best use of the funds.
“This action underpins our confidence to continue our investments as we look to elevate our heritage brands to a wider global consumer and drive our export business.”
Portmeirion, which employs 660 globally including 433 in the city, said it will continue to push for further support for ceramics exports, including backing for the proposed Ceramics (UK Country of Origin) Marketing Bill to improve consumer transparency and protect UK jobs and craftsmanship.
Stoke-on-Trent clay manufacturer Valentine Clays has described the announcement as a ‘significant moment for the sector’ which ‘reflects the importance of having a strong voice representing UK ceramics at Government level’.
A statement adds: “We’re excited to see how these measures will benefit our customers, strengthen the wider ceramics community and help shape the future of UK ceramics for generations to come.”
