Bosses call for greater recognition of ceramics industry

Bosses say ceramics play an integral part in our daily lives

UK ceramics bosses are calling on the government to recognise the industry's ‘indispensable’ role.

Industry body Ceramics UK, based in Stoke-on-Trent, told MPs at an event in Westminster that it supports many other manufacturers and tens of thousands of jobs.

Chief executive Rob Flello, said: “The UK ceramic industry has for too long been in the shadows, quietly making the products on which we all depend.”

He said ceramics firms contribute £1bn to the UK economy every year and directly employ more than 22,000 workers.

Many firms are encouraging apprentices to join them, which the industry says will help ensure ceramic skills are passed on.

Ceramics UK said many people didn't realise that the sector supplied components for jet engines, battery manufacturing and agriculture as well as household goods.

Despite shrinking in recent years, the sector supports thousands of jobs in the Stoke-on-Trent area, which is known as the Potteries as a result of its history.

Efforts are being made to grow the industry in the region.

'History and future'

Vice president of Ceramics UK, Hannah Ault, said: ‘‘Clay products are both our history and our future.

“They literally built our country and are the foundation of industry – steel and glass to high-tech and medical.”

Ceramics UK hosted the event in Westminster on Wednesday to launch its new identity, rebranding from the British Ceramic Confederation.