The Ceramics sector in North Staffordshire
Mindful of high profile closures in the city’s and surrounding area’s ceramics industry, Stoke-on-Trent City Council asked Kada Research and Ortus Economic Research to undertake a rapid assessment of the state of the sector in North Staffordshire, identify the challenges it faces, and make recommendations for future recovery and growth. The study began with a review of existing evidence and strategic documentation to establish context. This desk-based review provided insight into the structural role of ceramics in the local economy, its visibility in national policy, and its concentration in more deprived geographies. It also highlighted early hypotheses around energy dependency, limited margins for investment, and the potential risks posed by the UK Emissions Trading Scheme. Qualitative research was undertaken with stakeholders across the ceramics sector in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.…