Business leaders in North Staffordshire have submitted plans to create 9,000 jobs.

They have drawn up plans to create a “Ceramic Valley” of businesses based between Cliffe Vale and Tunstall.

The new Enterprise Zone (EZ) will aim to become the country’s centre of excellence for the development of ‘advanced materials’ by tapping into the city’s ceramics skills and expertise.

Advanced materials looks at the development and production of ceramics outside the pottery industry. This news comes as Penkhull-based company Lucideon are working to create an applied materials research and innovation centre in the city.

Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has submitted the Government bid alongside a second scheme to develop six employment sites across the county.

LEP chairman David Frost said: “The Enterprise Zones will have a major positive impact for our area, not only in financial benefits to businesses and the LEP, but also in raising the profile of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

“An Enterprise Zone is a very strong marketing tool in attracting inward investment and strengthening our reputation nationally and internationally as a great location with a positive approach to innovation and growth.”

It is hoped the creation of the Ceramic Valley will allow the UK to compete with growing technical ceramics sectors in the U.S., Germany and Italy. It is part of moves to diversify the industry from traditional pottery to technical ceramics.

City council deputy leader Abi Brown said: “We’re delighted the LEP is prioritising the Ceramic Valley bid as part of the high growth agenda for the city and the wider area.”

The second bid is looking to improve existing business parks – including at Meaford, Stafford, Uttoxeter and Keele – by creating a further 9,000 jobs. New businesses will benefit from superfast broadband and better transport links.

County council leader Philip Atkins said: “We believe we have two strong submissions. There is no reason why an area should not try for more than one Enterprise Zone.

“This will be an extremely competitive bidding process.”