Representatives from the UK ceramic industry will launch a proposal for a ‘sector deal’ at an event in Parliament today. It will include a call on Government for a number of measures designed to unleash the industry’s full growth potential. The bid also focuses on economic benefits for North Staffordshire, where much of the industry is based.

The Parliamentary Reception coincides with the British Ceramic Confederation’s (BCC) Annual General Meeting, when Kevin Oakes will take over as President of the trade association. Mr Oakes was previously Chief Executive of Stoke-based Steelite International before becoming Chairman of Royal Crown Derby. He has also chaired the working party behind the Ceramic Sector Deal proposal.

Ruth Smeeth MP, who is hosting the launch in Parliament said:

“It is a pleasure to host this important event and raise the profile of the UK’s amazing ceramic industry amongst my parliamentary colleagues. These proposals, which include a new International Institute for Ceramics based in Stoke-on-Trent, are incredibly exciting and could be a real boost to the sector. The ceramics industry has huge potential and I hope the Government will embrace these ideas and support a great British industry.”

New BCC President Kevin Oakes said:

“The sector deal proposal has been a collaborative effort involving a number of partners, and I’m grateful for all of their efforts in preparing our bid. The UK ceramic industry is enjoying a renaissance at the moment, but we have the opportunity to grow even more. Our bid outlines some ideas to Government which will allow us to achieve our potential.”

Notes to editors

1. A summary proposal is available for ‘A Deal for Ceramics’, the UK ceramic industry’s proposal to Government for a sector deal which includes:

An International Institute for Ceramics; a focal point for innovation, knowledge and learning to be located in Stoke-on-Trent
Specific asks on skills, innovation, trade policy, image and regulation.
2. The British Ceramic Confederation is the trade association for the UK ceramic manufacturing industry, representing the common and collective interests of all sectors of the industry. Its member companies cover the full spectrum of ceramic manufacturing, including the supply of materials, and comprise over 90% of the industry’s manufacturing capacity.

3. The other partners who have contributed to the sector deal proposal are: the City of Stoke-on-Trent; Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Enterprise Partnership; Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce; Axia Solutions; Staffordshire University and AMRICC