CERAMIC firms across Stoke-on-Trent have been praised in an ongoing debate about new Government legislation.

The industry’s contribution to the UK’s economy was highlighted by Stoke-on-Trent MP Ruth Smeeth in a parliamentary debate last week.
The discussion centred around the EU ETS – a scheme which sees companies hit with financial sanctions to limit the amount of pollution they give off. It makes up part of a bid to reduce overall emissions across Europe by 40 per cent by 2030.
But concerns have been raised that the ‘unfair’ initiative would lead to a drastic fall in profit and the loss of thousands of jobs as the heavy clay industries struggle to meet the financial requirements.

And Ms Smeeth, who represents Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove, called for a ‘level playing field’ as part of her pledge to support the city’s ceramics industry.
She said: “I am the chair of the new all-party group (APPG) on ceramics, and am proud to represent the Potteries – the historic centre of our country’s ceramics industry. So it will come as no surprise that I consider the sector to be of great importance.

“Across Stoke-on-Trent, more than 7,000 people are still directly employed in ceramics – more than in any other industry.

“With the Ceramic Valley enterprise zone, the future of the industry is clear; there is huge opportunity for development and huge potential.

“There is so much more to the ceramics industry than just tableware, important though that is. In my constituency, we are proud to be home to Johnson Tiles, the UK’s leading tile manufacturer and pioneers in the field of ceramic design. It is a major employer and a big contributor to our national economy.

“Bricks and tiles are not just important to the livelihoods of our constituents, however. They are key strategic industries in their own right, providing the raw materials that our country needs to build and to grow.

“The Government has repeatedly stated its commitment to a major programme of house-building, which I very much support. But we cannot build new homes without the raw materials for construction, and the Government’s ambitions, if fulfilled, could be an incredible opportunity for our brick and tile industries.”

She added: “If we do not support the industries appropriately, the benefits of any construction boom will be reaped not by our businesses, but by brick factories in north Africa, Turkey and elsewhere, where costs of production are lower.

“We all want our excellent brick and ceramic industries to continue to grow, thrive and prosper; all we are asking for is a level playing field, so that those ambitions can be fulfilled.”

Dr Laura Cohen, chief executive of the British Ceramic Confederation (BCC), welcomed the support, adding: “Back in January we started a parliamentary campaign to help raise the profile of the sector and realise the potential of industry and we’re delighted that parliamentarians decided to form an APPG for ceramics.

“All our members want is a level playing field so they can compete internationally and invest with confidence, creating new jobs. Including in the Ceramic Valley enterprise zone we have here in Staffordshire.”

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