The directors of Stoke-on-Trent Pottery firm, Moorcroft, have announced the company has entered liquidation.

The liquidation means Moorcroft's Sandbach Road site in Cobridge will close and will result in the loss of 57 jobs, according to the GMB Union.

It comes after the pottery firm, which has been trading since 1913, was trying to find a suitable buyer.

Moorcroft warned of possible redundancies in March and referenced rising costs and falling sales.

In a statement on social media Moorcroft said: "It is with profound sadness that the directors of W Moorcroft Ltd announce that as of 30 April 2025 W Moorcroft Ltd. has ceased to trade.

"Moore Recovery has been instructed by the directors to assist with placing the company into voluntary liquidation.

"All creditors will be contacted by Moore Recovery in due course."

Chris Hoofe, GMB Organiser, said: "The closure of Moorcroft is devastating news for workers and their families, but unfortunately it's not a surprise.

"The high cost of energy is crippling the ceramics sector in the UK and has directly led to the loss of 57 jobs at Moorcroft. 

"The Government must act and act now to support the ceramics sector and protect workers in this sector."

The leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, cllr Jane Ashworth, said she was sorry to hear the news.

Cllr Ashworth added: "Moorcroft has been a major part of Stoke-on-Trent's proud heritage in ceramics.

"Our teams have been working closely and intensively with Moorcroft to try to find a solution, but unfortunately this has not been possible.

"The fact is global and national headwinds - including high energy prices and a rash of cheap, illegal forgeries from overseas - have made life very difficult for manufacturers.

"We have lobbied - and will continue to lobby - the government to provide specific support for this vital and valuable sector.

"Our priority now is providing support for affected employees through our JET (Jobs, Enterprise, Training) service to provide prompt and effective help in finding new jobs."

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Image via Geograph Peter Skynner

Updated: 20:52 30/04/25