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[August 2000]
Byers launches major new initiative to revitalise UK Ceramic Industry
The British Government's Trade and Industry Secretary launched on 2nd August 2000 a major new initiative to revitalise the ceramic industry. The Ceramic Industry Forum was officially launched by Stephen Byers in front of an audience of 150 industry representatives in Stoke-on-Trent.
The Ceramic Industry Forum has been established by industry members and business support partners with initial funding from the Department of Trade and Industry. The employer led Forum will develop a range of practical measures to tackle the key competitive issues facing the industry. It is a direct response to the conclusions of a strategic analysis of the industry that highlighted a number of issues that have to be addressed if the industry is to improve its competitiveness.
At the same meeting, it is reported that other significant investments in the Potteries region were also unveiled. Mr Byers was able to announce a Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) award of some 40 million for Stoke-on-Trent and 5 million for Stafford. Additional funding included 1 million from the government towards Portmeirion's visitor centre and high tech factory project in Stoke-on-Trent, 750,000 towards the redevelopment of the old Woolliscroft Tiles site (closed after the company was acquired by Pilkington's Tiles) and 923,000 to the Ceramica project in Burslem. Completion of this last project had been stalled due to lack of funds.
Local commentators have estimated that in addition to the 40 million SRB award, a further similar sum (or more) could be generated by 'match' funding, and investments in the area by the private sector and other parties. The successful bid for the SRB award was put forward by the City Partnership whose chairman is Wedgwood's Brian Patterson.
ENDS