NEWS f~osses di~cuss how to promote city's ceramics VISIT: Lord Mayor of London David Wootton is presented with a specially-made vase by Moorcroft designer Emma Bosson before being shown around Middleport Pottery by the general manager of Burleigh Paul Deighton, right. Pictures: Malcolm Hart Mayor helps map out poHery future BY LOUISE PSYLLIDES formulate an action plan to deliver effect­ tions to the area he regularly hands out [email protected] ive change for the future. specially-designed Emma Bridgewater "In 1984 there were 66 major ceramics · mugs to guests after Stoke-on-Trent Cent­ CERAMIC industry leaders met the Lord firms here employing 30,000 people, and ral MP Tristram Hunt put him in touch Mayor of London to discuss how the in 2011 there were 33 employing 8,000. with the firm. Potteries can be promoted all over the "Challenges include the rising cost of He said: "Because of the peculiar world. energy and point of origin marking but nature of the City of London my role is as David Wootton, whose father was born despite all this the Potteries is still much about business as civic respons­ in Smallthorne, joined representat­ alive and well with many com­ ibility. "But I am much more a promoter ives from companies across the city panies continuing to thrive. of UK business as a whole than just one at the Potters Club, in Stoke, yes­ "While not all manufacturers sector. terday. are producing exclusively in this "I'm very interested to promote Stoke­ Kevin Oakes, pictured, chief country many are and produc­ on-Trent as part of the UK economy; and executive of Middleport tableware tion is beginning to return to I'm here to collect messages I can use in manufacturer Steelite, who chaired these shores and to this city." addressing audiences both in the UK and the discussion, said: "This is a Mr Wootton promised to visit abroad. The city has strengths in design, unique opportunity to discuss Stoke-on-Trent when the city's own innovation, and wonderful manufactur­ the Potteries and explore Lord Mayor Terry Follows attended ing skills. You are also lucky in that not the key issues affecting his annual banquet last year. only do you have a product people want our business but also to Aside from his family connec- but one they want to come and watch you make." Companies represented at the meeting Visit is a 'commitment to supporting economic growth' included Portmeirion, Wade, Caverswall China and Ceram. City council repres­ THE Lord Mayor of Yesterday both he and Middleport Pottery, said: entatives also attended alongside London' s itinerary also StQke-on-Trent Lord Mayor "The visit is welcome industry bodies the British Ceramic Con­ included visits to Moorcroft Terry Follows were recognition of the federation and the Ceramic Industry in Burslem, Middleport presented with a specially­ commitment of the City of Forum. Pottery and Steelite commissioned vase and he London to supporting Ros Kerslake, chief executive of the International, also in also got a sneak preview of economic growth Prince's Regeneration Trust, which is Middleport. the firm's new tea set throughout the UK. leading a multi-million pound regener­ Mr Wootton has a prior ahead of its launch later "By working together we ation project at Middleport Pottery; said: connection to Moorcroft as this month. can find solutions to many "The feedback we consistently get is it designed posters and Ros Kerslake, chief of the economic challenges people are visiting this city because they brochures for last year's executive of the Prince's and maximise the very real want ceramics not just made in England Lord Mayor's Show and the Regeneration Trust, which opportunities that exist for but made in Stoke-on-Trent." menu cover for his annual is leading the Stoke-on-Trent and the banquet at Mansion House. refurbishment of Potteries." What do you think? Email us at letters@ thesentinel.co.uk .