A Stoke-on-Trent ceramics boss hopes the problem of sky-high energy bills will be tackled in the government's upcoming industrial strategy - but he's 'not holding his breath'.

Portmeirion CEO, Mike Raybould, says he was 'surprised' and 'disappointed' there was no mention of the ceramics industry in the Chancellor's Spending Review last week and he wants the government to prioritise cutting energy costs to help the sector. 

The government's 'Modern Industrial Strategy', a 10-year blueprint which will aim to deliver certainty and stability for 'high growth sectors', is expected to be published in full on Monday (23 June).

Portmeirion Group is making a renewed effort to promote the value of Stoke-on-Trent ceramics, recently unveiling a new 'Made in Stoke-on-Trent' backstamp on Spode products. 

Over the last decade, just under half of the company's ceramic tableware has been produced at its London Road factory and Mike is optimistic about the future of the industry and hopeful Portmeirion will return to growth in its key international markets, such as South Korea. 

But he urged that manufacturers need a 'fair deal' on energy costs to compete 'on a level playing field' with firms abroad. 

Mike told Stoke Nub News: "I'd love to see the government finally recognise that energy-intensive industries aren't bad. They're good.  

"They employ a lot of people and allow our brands to go around the world and a country as big as us should have figured this out a long time ago. 

"Everywhere else has figured out how to get energy prices down. Why can't we do it in this country? 

"So I really hope that they take the opportunity this time to show their support and give a fair deal on energy.

"I'm not holding my breath but it'll be very disappointing if again, through this industrial strategy announcement later this month, there's still no action being taken."

'Made in Stoke-on-Trent' backstamp on Spode wares. (Portmeirion Group)

The government's long-awaited industrial strategy is expected to include plans for manufacturing, life sciences, business services, digital and technologies, creative industries, defence and financial services in a bid to make the UK "the best country to invest in".

Mike added that Portmeirion sells its wares into 60 different countries globally but 90% of sales come from just three countries so there is a big opportunity for growth.

He added: "We don't want our energy to be subsidised. We're just asking that on energy prices, this should a level playing field with countries that are manufacturing and importing to help us to grow our export business. That's where it all starts. 

"I'm fortunate in that I get to travel around the world to the US, Asia and Europe and people really value products made in Stoke-on-Trent as it stands for quality and has been for hundreds of years.

"So we want to do our bit, but we're asking UK government to do their bit as well, and it has to start with energy.

"And I think if the government can wake up to that and do something, and do something fast then I think there's a lot of potential for UK brands and Stoke ceramics brands to grow, not only in the UK, but around the world.

"It's humbling every day to work with the people I get to work with because they're so committed. And I think that's probably something that comes with the Potteries.

"We have something special here in Stoke on Trent, and we can't lose it."

(Portmeirion Group)

In Parliament on Wednesday, all three Stoke-on-Trent MPs once again called on the government to address the issue of high industrial energy prices during a debate on post-industrial towns. 

Stoke-on-Trent Central MP, Gareth Snell said: "When the industrial strategy—which is so important to all our communities—comes, it must address the chronic, crippling effect of industrial energy prices, which are hurting so many of the manufacturing sectors."

Gareth told Stoke Nub News: "I have consistently made the case in Parliament for direct intervention into our failing industrial energy market to bring down electricity and gas bills. The mood music from government is promising.

"They are taking ceramics seriously and they seem to understand that this is a make-or-break moment for the industry. 

"I am hopeful that the help we have been asking for will now be forthcoming but the devil will be in the detail and I will be scrutinising closely. And if the help falls short of what we need, I'll keep fighting to protect jobs and factories in Stoke-on-Trent." 

A government spokesperson told Stoke Nub News: "British industry needs cheaper energy bills and that's why we've taken action so they're similar to other major economies through the Supercharger, which came into full effect last month. 

"Our modern industrial strategy will aim to make the UK the best country to invest in, and ministers continue to engage with the ceramics sector to understand its challenges and provide support to make sure it remains globally competitive."

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