Ceramics industry to get £120 million government package
North Staffordshire is one area that is expected to benefit, given its storied history in the industry
Last updated 21st May 2026
The Government announced today (21st May) that they will put £120 million towards protecting thousands of jobs and safeguarding the future of the UK's ceramics industry.
Half of the package, £60 million, will help manufacturers invest in new equipment, while the other half will cover operational costs.
The sum forms part of a £350-million "critical chemicals resilience fund" announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
The Chancellor said: “The chemicals and ceramics industries underpin our economic resilience and support skilled jobs across the UK.
“We have the right economic plan. It includes backing those workers, backing the communities that depend on them, and backing British industry for the long term.”
Industry and unions also welcomed the announcement as a “hugely welcome step” for energy intensive-companies.
Steve Elliott, chief executive of the Chemical Industries Association, said: “Today’s announcement of a £350 million fund to be made available to chemical businesses underpinning our critical national infrastructure and wider resilience is therefore a very welcome first step in turning those words into action."
While Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, national officer of the GMB, said: “This is a hugely welcome step in the right direction and will be reassuring to workers in our chemicals and ceramics industry that the Government is finally listening.”
Ministers and other officials have widely praised the announcement.
Gareth Snell, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, said: “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."
Replying to a question asked by Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Adam Jogee, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle commended the hard work of the North Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent MPs:
"What I can say is that the results of the support package and the boldness of it, is a direct consequence of the voices we have heard from MPs, including himself and those of Stoke. The voice they've given have been profoundly important to the scope and scale and boldness of what would be announced today."
Jane Ashworth, Stoke-on-Trent City Council Leader said “Today’s announcement is a real boost for our city.
“This investment is a vote of confidence in our ceramics sector. At a time when manufacturers have faced huge pressures, it shows that Stoke-on-Trent still matters and that our ceramics industry has a big role to play in Britain’s future.
“From our world-famous pottery to the advanced ceramics needed for modern industries, the Potteries continues to lead the way. I welcome this support and the recognition of just how important this sector is to local jobs and pride in our city.