Pottery firm in 'level playing field' Budget plea

The boss of Portmeirion, Mike Raybould, hopes to hear about more help for the ceramics industry with energy costs

A pottery firm boss has called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to give the ceramic industry a "level playing field" on energy costs.

Portmeirion chief executive Mike Raybould said the government needs to be doing more to support UK ceramic manufacturers in the face of rocketing gas prices and increased foreign competition.

Mr Raybould is hoping the government will respond to his plea in the Budget on Wednesday.

While other energy-intensive industries such as steel will receive further support with their electricity costs from next year, the scheme will not help ceramic manufacturers with their gas bills.

Royal Stafford and Moorcroft both collapsed earlier this year due to energy costs and cheap foreign imports, with the latter later rescued.

Mr Raybould believes that Stoke-based Portmeirion and other local manufacturers could be a part of the "great success story" for the UK if they received the same support as other sectors.

He said that while local MPs, such as Stoke-on-Trent Central's Gareth Snell, had been vocal in their support for ceramics, the government had so far "ignored" the industry.

"The UK ceramics industry makes an amazing product that is so-well respected around the world.

"Even though the industry has shrunk over the last 20 years there are still around 10,000 jobs, many of which are in or around Stoke-on-Trent, " he said.

The industry was an energy intensive production process, particularly gas, and with current technology there was no way around that, said the chief executive.

"As an industry, and as a company, we've repeatedly asked the government for a level playing field for energy costs."

In June, the government announced a 10-year industrial stategy, which was criticised by many in the pottery sector.

A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said it recognised challenges faced by "potteries and ceramics businesses".

"Our industrial strategy included measures to support the sector, including our Supercharger scheme that will slash energy prices as part of the Plan for Change.

They added that "a new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will look to reduce electricity bills for manufacturing sectors like ceramics by up to 25%."

Portmeirion employs around 500 people in north Staffordshire out of a total workforce of 650, and Mr Raybould said the company wanted to further invest in its Stoke site but needed help with manufacturing costs.

He said he "really hoped" the government would support the ceramic industry, but "I don't think they are going to."

Markets around the world really valued a made in Stoke-on-Trent product, "I just wish that our own government could see that as well," added Mr Raybould.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.