The Minister for Industry attended events focused on strengthening the UK's ceramics sector in Stoke-on-Trent yesterday (Thursday 26 March).

Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Gareth Snell welcomed Chris McDonald MP to meet with ceramics industry leaders and trade union representatives over two events.

During the visit, the Minister met with business leaders and Ceramics UK at Valentine Clays to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, including support with energy costs, exports, business rates and unfair competition.

The Minister also met separately with leaders from GMB trade union - who represent ceramics workers - for a roundtable focused on the challenges the industry faces from a worker's point of view.

Chris McDonald MP said "Stoke on Trent sits at the heart of the UK's world class ceramics sector, and it was a pleasure to meet with businesses and workers today whose skills underpin this vital industry.

"Ceramics are central to the city's heritage and vital to sectors including healthcare, defence and advanced manufacturing.

"I know the sector is facing significant challenges, and I'm working closely with businesses, local representatives and trade unions through our Modern Industrial Strategy to support this critical industry and its workers and ensure it can have a sustainable future."

The discussions aimed to provide a platform for attendees to demonstrate the importance the ceramics sector has in relation to other industries including defence and health and to impress upon the government how they can work with the sector to drive growth and improve resilience.

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A 'hot topic' was the increasing costs associated with energy, in particular the need for the Government to find a way to bring down the price of gas – which has skyrocketed on the back of the war between the US and Iran.

Gareth said "It was a pleasure to welcome the Minister to Stoke-on-Trent and showcase first-hand the extraordinary talent, innovation and craftsmanship that define our ceramics sector.

"While tableware and sanitaryware remain essential pillars of our local industry, ceramics underpin so many other vital industries. From aerospace to renewable energy, advanced manufacturing depends on high-performance ceramic components produced by the skilled workforce here in the city.

"This was the message we delivered to the Minister today. We demonstrated clearly that the expertise, heritage and world-leading knowledge held by our workers and businesses cannot simply be replaced or replicated elsewhere.

"The ceramics industry is a national asset, and with the right support now, it will continue to drive growth and supply the critical materials that so many industries rely on. But we were also clear that without action on energy costs, the future of the sector remains at risk."

The Minister also turned his hand to throwing a pot on a tour of the Valentine Clays Factory with CEO Hannah Ault.

Hannah Ault said "It was a real pleasure to welcome the Minister to Valentine Clays and to give him the opportunity to experience the craft first-hand.

"Moments like that really bring to life the skill within our industry, but also how much of ceramics is hidden in plain sight. So many of the products and technologies we rely on every day are made possible through clay and advanced ceramics.

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"Our conversation today focused on Ceramics UK's three key asks, particularly around energy, and we are encouraged by the Minister's engagement and support. With the right backing, this industry has a significant role to play in the UK's future growth and resilience."