News, West Midlands
A pottery firm whose site has a manufacturing history dating back more than 200 years has collapsed into liquidation, according to a union.
Royal Stafford, based at the Royal Overhouse Manufactory in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, called in administrators on Tuesday with the loss of more than 70 jobs, the GMB Union said.
The brand was established in 1845 but records indicate its Royal Overhouse Manufactory site was in use in 1787 and operated by Thomas Wedgwood, according to the firm’s website.
The company and its bosses have been approached by the for a comment.
A union spokesperson said the firm’s collapse was a “wake-up call” for the government and its industrial strategy.
Colin Griffiths, from the GMB, warned Britain could lose its ceramics and pottery industry without government intervention.
“Our ceramic and pottery industry is vital for economic growth and supports thousands of jobs across the UK,” he added.
Call for urgent council meeting
The Royal Stafford brand was established in 1845 and the firm described itself as one of the handful of potteries with all production taking place in England.
A spokesperson for the city council said their priority was supporting the firm’s employees.
The authority said it would help with benefits advice, CV writing, job searching and interview techniques.
The council’s leader Jane Ashworth, would write to Royal Stafford’s owners to request an urgent meeting, they added.
“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,” they said.
“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.”
