200-year-old pottery firm 'goes bust' in Stoke-on-Trent

One of Stoke-on-Trent's most iconic pottery firms that's produced ware for around 200 years, has collapsed into liquidation.

Royal Stafford, in Burslem, has closed its doors with immediate effect. It's thought around 70 jobs will be lost.

GMB Union, representing workers across the UK’s ceramics and potteries industry, has today called on the Government to act urgently to save the sector.

Colin Griffiths, GMB Senior Organiser, said:

“This is a wake-up call for the new Government and its industrial strategy.

“Stoke cannot power its kilns with wind and batteries; wishful thinking means spiralling energy costs are now pushing the sector over the edge.

“Meanwhile the illegal importing of foreign forgeries is out of control and driving down orders even further.

“Our ceramic and pottery industry is vital for economic growth and supports thousands of jobs across the UK.

“The time for warm words is over, now we must see action”.

A Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesperson said:

“We want to acknowledge the fantastic contribution Royal Stafford has made to the pottery industry and both the Burslem - and wider Stoke-on-Trent - economy and profile over the last two centuries.

“Our main priority now is to work with the business owners to ensure we can reach all affected employees effectively.

“This involves working with Jobcentre Plus and through the JET (Jobs, Enterprise, Training) service to provide a tailored, rapid response offer to those affected and to give them the support and advice they need to find new employment opportunities.

“This support includes offering benefits advice, a skills and careers action plan, CV writing, job search sessions, application form support and interview techniques.

“Affected people can also contact the JET service directly by calling 01782 231215 or emailing [email protected]

“In addition, the Council Leader, Councillor Jane Ashworth, is now writing to Royal Stafford’s owners to request an urgent meeting.

"We know that national factors, including high energy bills, have made things more difficult for local employers but we are committed to improving our economy.

“This includes major plans for Burslem, involving the regeneration of the town as part of a multi-million-pound city-wide package of public realm improvements. These will help attract extra footfall, boost business activity and tap into its heritage.

“The work will complement other projects taking place in and around the town, including the investment in the preservation of some of its landmark buildings such as The Wedgwood Institute and Burslem Indoor Market.”

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