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. This included manufacturers (heritage and advanced), suppliers, sector bodies, research and innovation organisations, universities, and local business representatives.
Data analysis was undertaken to develop a comprehensive dataset of ceramic sector companies and local suppliers, and to use that to drive an assessment of sector and supply chain structure and performance including:
- The number and scale of firms, and their activities
- Spatial analysis including the identification of localised and specialised clusters
- A description of ownership structures
- An assessment of employment and financial performance, and how this has changed over the last few years
- A financial risk assessment
A comprehensive dataset of ceramics sector companies and suppliers was developed, drawing on primary sources, secondary data, and stakeholder input. Expert advice, website analysis, and AI classification was used to capture businesses and supply chain elements beyond SIC codes. The analysis integrated Ortus’ own firm-level TCR data, Companies House, and Beauhurst data to provide information on company size, performance, investment, and trade. The final analysis explored sector structure, spatial clustering, and performance indicators such as turnover, profitability, employment, cashflow, and investment to deliver deep insights into the ceramics industry.
Findings from the desk review, primary research, and data analysis were synthesised in a final report. A workshop with stakeholders was held in October 2025 to co-design an action plan for the ceramics sector in North Staffordshire, based on the evidence produced.