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[July 2000]
New Forum set to revitalise the UK Ceramics Industry
A new Ceramic Industry Forum is said to set to help the industry following British Government approval of a bid for 1.5 million. The employer-led forum will develop a range of practical measures to help local firms tackle the key competitive issues facing the industry. Wide ranging measures proposed in the successful bid include:
Process improvement programmes that utilise the skills and experience of top engineers who will within local companies to help them identify solutions to improve manufacturing effectiveness. The selection and training of expert engineers who will receive high quality training and mentoring from other world class engineers based in the automotive industry. A team leader and executive development programme to help build the teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills of local managers and employees. Specialist support and resources to improve business innovation, the quality and speed of the design and marketing functions of ceramics businesses.
The Bid was put forward to government following the ECOTEC report that highlighted a number of key issues that the industry must tackle if it is to remain competitive. The forum will look to engage small and medium sized companies as well as the largest well known manufacturers in the design of the Industry Forum programmes and to ensure that the initiatives are embraced by all size of employers.
The Ceramic Industry Forum will now be established with the majority of members from small and large ceramic companies. Representatives from local partners including the British Ceramic Confederation (BCC), Staffordshire TEC, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Advantage West Midlands and Government Office for the West Midlands will also be part of the Forum.
An Action Team for Design and Marketing has already started to tackle the recruitment of a high level of design talent, positively marketing the industry as a centre of design excellence and investigating a Market Research service.
Other Action Teams will now be rapidly assembled to help define and develop programmes of support in each of the key areas identified in the bid. These are:
Enhancing manufacturing effectiveness and flexibility through process improvement. Improving innovation and design and reducing product development lead times. Developing employee skills at al levels. Encourage best practice in the industry through the sharing of ideas.
The 1.5 million from the UK's Department of Trade and Industry will fund activities over a five-year period and will be matched with contributions from local partners and the industry itself.
The Ceramic Industry Forum will be working in collaboration with other key organisations, including Advantage West Midlands, the City Partnership, CERAM Research, the Association for Ceramic Training and Development (ACTD), the Hothouse Ceramic Design Centre and the BCC.
Sue Evans is the Ceramics Facilitator, appointed after the ECOTEC strategic industry analysis was completed, and was responsible for coordinating the bid. She will play a leading role in establishing the Forum and said: "The announcement represents a big step forward for the industry and the region as a whole. The Ceramic Industry Forum will provide a range of practical programmes and services that can help local ceramics businesses of all sizes. The businesses and partners already engaged in the Forum are deeply committed to improving the competitiveness of the industry."
"Despite the recent difficulties encountered by the industry, we are optimistic about the future of the ceramics industry and we are keen to ensure all parts of the industry, particularly small and medium sized businesses, make the most of the assistance that will be available to them."
Ian Dudson, the Chairman of the Ceramic Industry Forum, said: "I am delighted the bid has been successful. Ceramics is a vital part of the manufacturing base of the West Midlands and integral to the economic development of the region. The Forum will act as a focal point for industry support in the future and be a catalyst to unlock further funding opportunities so we achieve a step change in the competitiveness of the industry."
"Whilst production effectiveness is an important issue, I am keen for the Forum to influence the design and innovation within the industry which I believe to be central to the future of ceramics in Stoke-on-Trent."
ENDS