Kilncare has been announced as a finalist for the Small Business of the Year Award at the 2026 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards, sponsored by NSCG Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group.
Three generations of the Sherwin family work at Kilncare’s Baddeley Green factory, where the business has spent 44 years building a reputation as the UK’s largest art kiln manufacturer. Turnover exceeded expectations in the past year, reaching £2.3m against a projection of £1.96m, with £2.8m forecast for 2026. Growth has come from expanding premium ranges, strong Australian sales, growing EU demand, and manufacturing kilns under licence for competitors, including a near-100-unit order from one firm looking to replace US imports entirely.
Keith Brymer Jones of The Great Pottery Throw Down now uses Kilncare kilns, with a dedicated episode of his new TV series featuring the business planned for later this year. Perhaps equally telling is the culture behind the numbers: all non-management staff are paid an identical hourly rate, an employee left paralysed in a motorcycle accident was kept on full pay throughout his rehabilitation and returned to run the service department, and a newer employee who suffered a family bereavement was given unlimited paid leave without question.
Stuart Elford, Chief Executive of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “Kilncare is the kind of business that makes you proud to represent Staffordshire. Three generations of one family, 44 years of expertise, and a culture that puts people genuinely first. The fact that they are now the UK’s largest art kiln manufacturer and growing internationally is a testament to what happens when you combine craft, ambition and real values. We cannot wait to celebrate with them in July.”
The winners will be revealed at a gala awards ceremony at Uttoxeter Racecourse on Thursday 9 July 2026, followed by The After Party, a late-night celebration for finalists, winners and partners.
To find out more about the 2026 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards, visit staffordshirechambers.co.uk/awards.
