Ceramics 2011: 'an industry emerging from recession'
Innovative exhibits and inspirational seminars fired the imagination of hundreds of delegates taking part in a major ceramics showcase.
Ceramics 2011 showcased an industry that was willing to adapt new production techniques and face environmental concerns as it emerged from the worldwide recession.
The event at the Britannia Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent, threw the spotlight on to a sustainable future for an industry which employs more than 20,000 people and generates sales income of around £1.5 billion a year for the UK economy.
Ceramics 2011 was organised by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and supported by organisations including the British Ceramic Confederation, CERAM and the North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce.
The event showcased an industry emerging confidently from recession.
"The industry is genuinely going through a revival of confidence based on sound management and investment. The city council is proud to support local ceramics businesses as part of our Mandate for Change transformation programme," said Councillor Mark Meredith, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for economic development.
Keynote speakers included Tristram Hunt, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, who told the audience: "Companies such as Dudson, Steelite and Portmeirion have invested heavily in innovation," Tristram Hunt, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, told delegates at Ceramic 2011.
"UK Ceramics has emerged from recession as a world class industry. It is an industry that was innovating in the 1770s and is innovating now."
Ceramics 2011 highlighted work being carried out by the UK ceramics industry to tackle issues such as the need to reduce emissions and save energy, while continuing to grow.
Dr Laura Cohen, Chief Executive of the British Ceramic Confederation (BCC) said: "Ceramics 2011 allowed us to show that ceramics is a cutting edge industry which is adapting well to a world faced with both economic and environmental challenges.
"It also gave us an opportunity to highlight issues facing energy intensive industries and to say to the UK Government that we need a level playing field with other countries on energy and environmental taxes."
Visitors to the event at the Britannia Stadium were able to view 50 exhibition stands from companies ranging from craft potter such as Hannah Belfield Ceramics to major industry names including Johnson Tiles, Wade, Ibstock, Wienerberger and Dudson.
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