Stoke MP requests urgent meeting to protect the pottery industry

The MP for Stoke North says he's pushing for an urgent meeting with ministers to try and ensure the survival of the city's ceramics industry.

It's after the iconic Royal Stafford in Burslem went bust this week after 200-years making pottery.

MP David Williams said: "I hear loud an clear what the businesses are telling me. Obviously high energy intensive industries have cost pressures.

"It's fine wanting to move towards green energy long-term. But there is an immediate need for us to see what we can do to help the sector now, and I have request an urgent meeting with ministers.

"I'm hoping to convene a meeting between business leaders, the GMB union, and people involved like Ceramics UK so the government can hear loud and clear what the concerns are."

"There is an immediate need now to get this addressed." - MP David Williams

The leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Jane Ashworth has also said she wants to convene a meeting with Royal Stafford bosses at the earliest to talk over the situation.

A Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesperson said:

“Our main priority now is to work with the business owners to ensure we can reach all affected employees effectively.

“This involves working with Jobcentre Plus and through the JET (Jobs, Enterprise, Training) service to provide a tailored, rapid response offer to those affected and to give them the support and advice they need to find new employment opportunities.

“In addition, the Council Leader, Councillor Jane Ashworth, is now writing to Royal Stafford’s owners to request an urgent meeting.

"We know that national factors, including high energy bills, have made things more difficult for local employers but we are committed to improving our economy.

“This includes major plans for Burslem, involving the regeneration of the town as part of a multi-million-pound city-wide package of public realm improvements. These will help attract extra footfall, boost business activity and tap into its heritage.

“The work will complement other projects taking place in and around the town, including the investment in the preservation of some of its landmark buildings such as The Wedgwood Institute and Burslem Indoor Market.”

In a statement the company said there were multiple factors which led to the need to close.

"It is with great sadness that the Directors announce the closure of RST Limited, which trades as Royal Stafford, with immediate effect." a spokesperson said.

"The company has faced a dramatic reduction in orders in recent months and coupled with the increase in energy prices this has left it unable to afford to continue to trade.

"The closure of the factory has resulted in the redundancy of 83 employees, many of whom have worked for the company since 2007 and some who worked for Royal Stafford Tableware prior to that.

"The Directors have pursued every avenue possible to save the business, but without the guarantee of a profitable forward order book, this was not possible. The Directors have engaged the services of local insolvency firm Moore Recovery to place the company into liquidation. Creditors of the Company will be contacted by Moore Recovery in due course.

"A closing down sale is planned and further information regarding this will be provided when possible. Anyone who has orders to collect from the factory shop will also be contacted in due course."

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.