Revitalizing Stoke-on-Trent's Pottery Industry: A Call for Innovation and Support
Key Ideas
- Pottery firms in Stoke-on-Trent urged to adopt new technology to prevent industry decline following closure of several businesses.
- Focus on the future and innovation highlighted by Tony Kinsella from Lucideon, advocating for government support to address energy costs affecting the industry.
- Ceramics UK challenges the notion of industry decline, emphasizing investments in new technology, such as using hydrogen to power kilns for a 'green burn'.
- Stoke-on-Trent prepares to host the British Ceramics Biennial 2025, showcasing exhibitions and events to maintain interest in the city and support its pottery industry.
In Stoke-on-Trent, known as The Potteries, concerns have been raised about the future of the pottery industry following the closure of prominent businesses, including Moorcroft. Tony Kinsella of Lucideon has urged firms to embrace innovation to avoid becoming 'a museum' city. While energy costs were cited as a major challenge, Ceramics UK reassured the sector's resilience, with a focus on reducing the carbon footprint through technological advancements. The shift towards sustainability includes exploring the use of hydrogen to power kilns for a more environmentally friendly production process. Stoke-on-Trent's upcoming hosting of the British Ceramics Biennial 2025 aims to showcase the industry's capabilities and maintain international interest. Despite debates surrounding heritage preservation and modernization, stakeholders emphasize the importance of government support to ensure the industry's competitiveness and growth.
Topics
Power
Innovation
Sustainability
Government Support
Heritage Preservation
Ceramics
Pottery Industry
Trade Organisation
British Ceramics Biennial
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