Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has expressed disappointment at the lack of immediate and targeted support for the region’s ceramics industry in today’s Industrial Strategy announcement.
Responding to the publication of the strategy, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce CEO, Rachel Laver, said: “While we welcome the ambition to create a competitive and future-facing UK economy, today’s strategy is a missed opportunity for Stoke-on-Trent’s world-renowned ceramics industry.
“There is no immediate support for energy-intensive manufacturers like those in our local ceramics sector, which continue to face unsustainable energy costs and mounting global pressures. Delayed action simply isn’t enough for a sector in urgent need of intervention.
“We had hoped for clear, direct measures – especially given long-standing calls from businesses and MPs across the city – and the absence of specific help for ceramics is deeply disappointing.
“Our local firms, from heritage brands to innovative exporters, have the potential to lead a manufacturing revival, but only if government recognises and responds to their unique challenges.
“We remain committed to working with partners across the British Chambers network and with government to push for faster, fairer support for the industries that matter to places like Stoke-on-Trent. Ceramics must not be left behind.”
