'People around the world value a product made in Stoke. I wish our government could see that'

Pottery boss pleads for Budget support

- Phil Corrigan Local Democracy Reporter

THE boss of a Stoke-on-Trent pottery firm has called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to give the ceramic industry a 'level playing field' on energy costs.

Portmeirion chief executive Mike Raybould says the Government needs to be doing more to support UK ceramic manufacturers in the face of rocketing gas prices and increased foreign competition.

Mr Raybould hopes the Government will respond to this plea in the Budget tomorrow.

While other energy-intensive industries such as steel will receive further support with their electricity costs from next year, the scheme will not help ceramic manufacturers with their gas bills.

Royal Stafford and Moorcroft both collapsed this year due to energy costs and cheap foreign imports. Both companies have since been revived - despite the loss of dozens of jobs.