EXCLUSIVE: Fortnum & Mason pledge to keep buying Stoke-made ceramics for another 'decade'
The iconic London department store says it's important pottery continues to be made in Stoke-on-Trent
Bosses at one of London's most prestigious department stores have exclusively told us they'll continue supporting Stoke-on-Trent's ceramics industry for many more years.
Fortnum & Mason has pledged to keep buying from the city's pottery firms and offering its items on their shelves.
It follows what has been an extremely difficult period for pottery firms, many who are battling high energy costs and the ever-increasing threat of cheaper foreign imports.
Financial pressures have already pushed two major names into liquidation this year, with brands like Royal Stafford citing slow and weaker national and international sales as factor in their decline.
Speaking to our Chief Reporter Adam Smith, Fortnum & Mason's Director of Buying Jo Newton said it's vital ceramics continues to be made in Stoke-on-Trent.
"It's a very cool industry with the craftmanship and the diversity. We feel very passionate about it." she said.
"When it comes down to ceramics there's pretty much only one area that does it with gravitas.
"Over the years it's obviously had it's challenges, so we continue and will continue to support Stoke-on-Trent in the coming years.
"In the 1920's we started purchasing from brands like Spode and then doing collaborations, I would say we've supported Stoke's ceramics industry for the last 100 years."
Jo continued: "Oh my goodness, you could stand in the department today and I watch them and they literally do plate turn.
"Let's look forward to the next decade with continuing to support this wonderful industry."
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