'Plenty of positives' for pottery firms, boss says

The boss of a pottery firm said there were "plenty of positives" for his industry despite recent struggles for other ceramics companies.

Jon Plant founded Moorland Pottery in Burslem 38 years ago and said, although the past 12 months had been difficult, there were reasons for optimism.

He said his own firm had seen strong sales with the Scottish National Trust as well as discussions with new companies for his firm's ceramics.

This month marks a year since Royal Stafford closed, sparking a turbulent 12 months for the ceramics industry in Stoke-on-Trent and north Staffordshire, with several firms also going bust.

Dozens of jobs were lost, with protests calling for the government to do more to help firms with rocketing energy costs.

There were "lots of things that are against us" Plant said.

"We've got amongst the highest energy costs in the world."

However this year saw him attend a showcase in Westminster Hall in London which he said had been like a "dream come true".

"We stock their shop down at the House of Commons and the benefit is that we are there in front of all and sundry," he added.

"The benefit [of attending the showcase] in terms of our profile was huge, it was a great experience.

"We met the Speaker and lots of other MPs - and we sold out, which was a real positive."

His firm first started selling in the Commons about a year ago and this "opened doors" meaning other possible customers took his business more seriously, Plant added.

He admitted it had led to the Royal Shakespeare Company, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, approaching him to create a product for their venue.

This would be an anniversary-themed mug as well as other mugs for their gift shop and some other products, he said.

"You don't have to big to make a big impression," he said.

"It was a real honour to be asked to do that," he added. "I've had quite a few 'pinch me' moments this year."

There have been other positive signs for the industry recently.

After taking over Royal Stafford, new owners TG Green have opened a shop in Burslem, and last month Wedgwood employees returned to work following a 90-day stoppage at their firm.

More recently, Emma Bridgewater announced that its turnaround plans were getting the business back on track.

However some within the industry have warned there is no room for complacency.

Sharon Yates, a GMB union representative and worker at pottery firm Dunoon, said energy bills remained an unresolved issue for many companies.

"People will see those positive vibes coming from Emma Bridgewater and also the takeover of Royal Stafford, of Cornishware, and Will Moorcroft coming back and opening Moorcroft up," she added.

"That's fantastic, but it's like anything else – if somebody sees a positive reaction, people take a step back and think it's OK now, they're doing well and we don't have to buy the products because they're back in the limelight again."

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