Ceramics networking event unites industry professionals
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1st April 2014
Thanks to the Ceramic Skills Academy, an industry networking event on March 27 brought together skilled workers and business leaders in a celebration of Staffordshire’s prestigious ceramics sector.
Just under 50 delegates gathered in the Potteries Museum in Hanley to participate in the CSA’s ‘Proud to be a Potter’ event. The Ceramic Skills Academy has an underlying ethos of celebration as well as its delivery of support, and this event served as a reminder that Staffordshire’s pottery industry is something to be proud of.
Linda McQuade, Academy Director, launched the event with an introduction on the CSA, speaking about what it is, how it works, and why it matters. Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire LEP then followed with a discussion on the ways in which the LEP are supporting Staffordshire’s ceramics industry, providing delegates with an insightful update on the assistance available to them. With a further presentation on the history of ceramics in Stoke on Trent, ‘Proud to be a Potter’ looked back at our heritage as well as looking forward into the future of our world-class industry.
Attendees donated their ceramics ware in aid of the Douglas Macmillan Hospice, who also presented at the event. The pottery presented was stunning, with the museum venue providing the perfect backdrop for such an event. A flute choir from Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College also provided beautiful background performances during registration and networking.
Not only was the occasion informative and charitable, it was also fun. As well as having the chance to accelerate their connections and access links to support and training, delegates were able to have a go at pot-throwing. A flute choir from Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College provided beautiful music during the registration and networking parts of the event
Linda McQuade comments: “It was fantastic to see ceramics workers gathering to network and celebrate their trade. This is just the start of industry events to come, and we are keen to sing the praises of the sector amongst all the other work we do at the CSA. With an atmosphere of celebration and the delivery of information, this event was as useful as it was exciting.”