Potters' show of strength

AFTER a turbulent period for ceramics businesses Stoke-on-Trent potters turned up at Spring Fair International to show the city is still at the forefront of the industry.

Pottery giants Wedgwood, Royal Doulton and Spode have fallen into administration in recent months.

But a whole raft of new ranges are being unveiled at Birmingham's NEC, and "Made In England" has been the key theme for many of the region's pottery firms.

Longton-based Aynsley China unveiled three new tableware ranges which are being promoted for their Britishness.

Sales director John Wallace said: "The fact that we are still manufacturing fine bone china in Stoke-on-Trent is very important to customers.

"We have already spoken to a few exporters who are only looking for Made In England products."

Spring Fair International has been an important event for the pottery industry to show retailers their year's new ranges since it moved to Birmingham in 1976.

Experts say this year's event is the most important yet as the industry looks to bounce back from last year's slowing sales and job losses.

Burslem-based Moorcroft unveiled a new lamp called Fleur-de-Luce and a collection inspired by the Lake District, called Blackwell.

Customer services coordinator Andrea Lazenby said: "Our designer Nicola Slaney went out to the Lake District and she was so inspired that she created this collection.

"We have some really inspiring designs and our order book is full."

Demonstrator Lesley Cartlidge attended the event to show visitors how Moorcroft wares are hand-painted.

She said: "The more people see how we make things, the more they appreciate the work that goes into them."

Dunoon, which employs 105 people in Stone, unveiled dozens of new mugs and a new "tea for one" teapot and cup.

Sales manager Russ Cymbaluk said: "Our customers have asked us for more contemporary pieces, and that is what we have done."

Sandyford-based Churchill China gave the first viewing of four new patterns, including the environmentally-inspired Eden range.

Director Adrian Botterell said: "We are picking up the green trends that are coming through in 2009 and 2010."

Mug-maker Repeat Repeat, which employs six people in Fenton, unveiled a new range of Made In England mugs at the event.

Director Mark Faulkner said: "There are more and more imports coming in and we wanted to shout from the rooftops that we are manufacturing in Stoke-on-Trent."

Burslem-based Moorland Pottery revealed the latest addition to its range of locally-inspired mugs.

Its Stokieware, Brummieware, Geordieware, Scouseware and Pearlyware ranges have been the most successful in the company's history and a Yorkshire range has now been added to the collection.

Yorkieware mugs will feature terms like "T'Best Place in t'World", "My Granddad can fix owt" and "Eeby Gum".

Director Jonathan Plant said: "With the state of the economy, you have got to get out there because this is a big opportunity.

"It also gives you a chance to meet and speak with your customers."

Mark Nixon, founder of Trentham Gardens-based Glazed Art, showed off six new colours of its wall art and giftware – yellow, orange, blue, green, red and black and white.

He said: "Our business has been successful over Christmas and things are still going well now. There is still a market for original pieces."

Sue Evans, chief executive of the Ceramic Industry Forum, said Spring Fair International was a chance to get 2009 off on the right foot.

She said: "I think this year's Spring Fair is more important than ever.

"If you decide not to exhibit because money is tight, it is a bad sign in terms of confidence.

"It is more important than ever to show the world we still make the best ceramics in the world."

Source:thisisstaffordshire.co.uk