North Staffordshire MPs secure £120million government support package for ceramics industry

The Government has today announced a £120 million package of support to protect jobs and safeguard the future of the UK ceramics industry.

The package includes £60 million in capital funding to help manufacturers invest in new equipment, supporting energy efficiency and long-term sustainability, alongside a further £60 million to cover operational costs, allowing the sector flexibility to respond to immediate pressures.

The announcement follows sustained campaigning by Ceramics UK and North Staffordshire MPs Gareth Snell, Allison Gardner, David Williams and Adam Jogee, who have repeatedly pressed the Government in Parliament to act. They have consistently called for the ceramics industry to be properly recognised and included in schemes designed to ease financial pressures on businesses.

The final design of the scheme will be developed in partnership with Ceramics UK, ensuring the support is tailored to the needs of ceramics manufacturers.

Gareth Snell, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, said: “The ceramics industry plays a vital role in our local economy, providing skilled jobs and supporting a wide range of industries. From the tableware in our homes to life-saving medical equipment and components used in jet engines, ceramics underpin so much of modern life.

“Recent pressures have put that at risk, making government action essential to stabilise the sector and give businesses the confidence to continue to invest and plan for the future. Working closely with Ceramics UK, we have repeatedly taken the case directly to government, and I am delighted that those calls for support have now been answered with this package of measures."

Adam Jogee, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, 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. The much-loved British industry is the beating heart of our local economy, and businesses, like Silverdale Bathrooms in Newcastle-under-Lyme, deserve a government that backs them. We cannot build the homes, hospitals, and infrastructure our United Kingdom needs without ceramics and British bricks. 

"That’s why I introduced my British-Made Bricks Bill, it’s why I welcomed the Minister for Industry to Ibstock in Chesterton, and why I urged the Chancellor to act. Ceramics must be backed, invested in, and given the long-term plan it deserves.

“Across North Staffordshire, my colleagues and I have made the case to government countless times since our election. We have all heard and know the powerful stories of workers and businesses who have suffered the consequences of this industry being ignored for too long. 

"Our area has a proud and world-famous ceramics heritage. A ceramics industry that is critical to Britain's future: to our defence, our energy, our construction, and our future as a manufacturing nation.”

Rob Flello, Chief Executive of Ceramics UK, said: “Ceramics UK is delighted by this landmark decision by the Government which recognises the fundamental role of our sector in the UK economy.

“Ceramics are critical to the UK economy in the manufacture of vital products such as steel, glass and other high temperature products, as well as items that are used daily in homes and businesses across the UK.

“Now, working with our members as the voice of the industry, Ceramics UK looks forward to working closely with Ministers and civil servants in designing and implementing the measures outlined in the Business Secretary’s statement of intent.

“Our priority is to ensure that the scheme works for all members of Ceramics UK, from the smallest ceramics companies through to the largest organisations, creating a sustainable future for our industry.”  

Replying to a question asked by Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Adam Jogee, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle commended the hard work of the North Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent MPs:

"What I can say is that the results of [the support package] and the boldness of it, is a direct consequence of the voices we have heard from MPs, including himself and those of Stoke. The voice they've given have been profoundly important to the scope and scale and boldness of what would be announced today."

Allison Gardner, MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, said “I am absolutely delighted that, after lobbying hard on this issue, the Government has listened and committed £120 million to support our ceramics sector. This funding will give our businesses the breathing room they need right now, while also giving them the confidence to invest in the future. 

“I’ve said it time and again: this industry deserves to thrive. Yes, it’s about protecting our world-class heritage in tableware, but it’s also about strengthening Britain’s capabilities in defence, aerospace, and nuclear technologies through advanced ceramics. That matters for our economy, our security, and our identity. I can’t wait to see the growth, innovation, and pride this investment will unlock; from our independent, small businesses to our large-scale factories. “

David Williams, MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, said: “The people of Stoke-on-Trent have fought for generations to keep our world-famous ceramics industry alive, and today’s announcement from the Government is hugely welcome news. 

“This £120 million investment is a real vote of confidence in our city, our workers and our future. Today, families can be reassured that we are fighting to keep this valuable sector and its vital skills alive, protecting jobs for future generations.

“I’ve raised this issue in the House more than 15 times because I believe ceramics must sit at the heart of Britain’s new green industrial revolution. From iconic vases and tiles to the advanced ceramics needed for heat pumps and green energy technologies, Stoke’s skills can power the industries of tomorrow. We welcome this investment, and the conversation it opens with the ceramics sector.” 

Jane Ashworth, Stoke-on-Trent City Council Leader, said: “Today’s announcement is a real boost for our city. 

“This investment is a vote of confidence in our ceramics sector. At a time when manufacturers have faced huge pressures, it shows that Stoke-on-Trent still matters and that our ceramics industry has a big role to play in Britain’s future.

“From our world-famous pottery to the advanced ceramics needed for modern industries, the Potteries continues to lead the way. I welcome this support and the recognition of just how important this sector is to local jobs and pride in our city."