Ceramics Industry Petition Passes 100,000 Signatures as Fight for the Future Continues

A petition calling for greater support for Britain's ceramics industry has passed the significant milestone of 100,000 signatures, ensuring it will now be considered for debate in Parliament.

For Stoke-on-Trent, a city whose identity, economy and heritage are deeply intertwined with ceramics, the achievement represents an important moment in a campaign that has gathered momentum amid some of the most challenging conditions the industry has faced in decades.

Created by Hayley Baddiley, the petition calls on the Government to extend energy cost relief available through the British Industry Supercharger scheme to include ceramics manufacturers. Supporters argue that soaring industrial energy costs are placing enormous pressure on businesses and putting jobs, skills and centuries of manufacturing expertise at risk.

At the time of writing, the petition has attracted more than 105,000 signatures.

A Campaign Born from Industry Challenges

The petition was launched against a backdrop of increasing concern across the ceramics sector.

Manufacturers have faced rising energy costs, increasing labour costs, international competition and wider economic uncertainty. For ceramics businesses, energy prices are particularly significant because firing kilns is an essential part of the manufacturing process and cannot simply be switched off when costs rise.

These pressures have already had serious consequences.

Earlier this year, Denby Pottery entered administration, citing rising energy and labour costs. Manufacturing ceased in April and more than 100 jobs were lost.

The company has been one of the most visible supporters of the petition and welcomed the news that it had passed the 100,000-signature threshold.

Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp

Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone!

Get Instant Updates

In a statement, Denby said:

"We have now reached 100,000+ signatures on our ‘Support the Ceramics Industry and protect British manufacturing jobs and skills’ petition which means that this will be considered for debate in parliament. The petition calls for the government to consider offering relief on the high energy bills required to make ceramics in the UK.

Whilst Denby's position is sadly unchanged, this outcome could make a difference for our fellow potteries and acknowledges the importance of our shared heritage and skills, offering hope for the future of manufacturing ceramics in this country.

To everyone who has signed, thank you. We are proud of Denby's history and pleased that this step can be part of its legacy."

The statement highlights an important reality. While the petition cannot reverse the fortunes of businesses already lost, many hope it can help secure the future of those still operating.

Government Announces £120 Million Support Package

The petition's success comes just weeks after the Government announced a £120 million support package for the UK ceramics sector.

The funding includes £60 million in capital investment to help manufacturers improve energy efficiency and modernise equipment, alongside a further £60 million to support operational costs.

The announcement was widely welcomed across the industry.

Ceramics UK Chief Executive Rob Flello described the funding as "a fantastic recognition of the importance of the UK ceramics industry".

The package followed extensive lobbying from industry leaders, manufacturers, local MPs and organisations representing the sector.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the funding would help support thousands of jobs and strengthen businesses for the long term.

For many within the industry, the announcement represented an important first step. However, campaigners argue that further action is still required, particularly regarding ongoing energy costs.

Why the Supercharger Matters

The British Industry Supercharger scheme currently provides relief from certain electricity costs for eligible energy-intensive industries.

Supporters of the petition believe ceramics should be included because of the sector's substantial energy requirements and its strategic importance to British manufacturing.

The Government has already confirmed that the Department for Business and Trade intends to review the eligibility criteria for the scheme later this year.

A public consultation is expected and ministers have acknowledged the importance of the ceramics sector, particularly the role of the tableware industry in Stoke-on-Trent.

The Government has stated that it will continue working with industry representatives, trade unions and Ceramics UK to better understand the challenges facing manufacturers.

Photo by Kaspars Eglitis / Unsplash

More Than Plates and Pottery

While many people associate ceramics with tableware and giftware, the industry plays a much wider role in the modern economy.

Research commissioned by Stoke-on-Trent City Council highlighted the sector's importance to industries including aerospace, defence, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and electronics.

The report concluded that North Staffordshire's ceramics sector could continue to thrive and grow if the right support mechanisms are put in place.

Despite recent challenges, the research found evidence of growth in several specialist ceramics sectors and highlighted opportunities for future expansion.

The findings reinforce the argument that ceramics should not simply be viewed as part of the region's heritage, but as a modern manufacturing industry with significant economic potential.

A National Debate with Local Significance

Passing the 100,000-signature threshold does not automatically guarantee changes to government policy. However, it does ensure that the concerns of the industry will receive national attention through parliamentary scrutiny.

For Stoke-on-Trent, that matters.

The city was built on ceramics. Generations of local families have worked in factories, studios and workshops, passing skills from one generation to the next.

Those skills remain internationally respected and continue to underpin thousands of jobs across Staffordshire and beyond.

The success of the petition demonstrates that public support for the industry remains strong.

Combined with the Government's £120 million support package, it suggests that the future of British ceramics is now firmly on the national agenda.

Whether that ultimately leads to inclusion within the Supercharger scheme remains to be seen. What is clear is that the conversation about protecting British ceramics, safeguarding skilled jobs and supporting manufacturing has moved from the factory floor to Westminster.

For the Potteries, that may prove to be one of the most important developments in years.

Enjoyed this story?

The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire.

Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county.

Explore the heart of our county Use the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support The Staffordshire Signal’s mission to keep local news free and independent.