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