Ceramics made by the potters are well known for their quality all over the world. It is a symbol of Stoke’s cultural heritage and a huge industry which employees 1000s of people in Stoke alone. During the recent years, cheaply imported ceramics have become a threat to the domestic makers. There is an increased demand to take measures which will protect the pottery business in the UK. A new bill was recently introduced by Stoke-on-Trent MP Ruth Smeeth to save the local pottery makers.
About the bill Ceramics Marking bill introduced by Ms. Smeet will ensure that all the local made potteries sold in the UK to have ‘country of origin’ backstamp. If this bill is passed as a law and enforced, it will not only improve transparency but also enhance customer choice. People who wish to buy only the UK made potteries will have the choice to do so. According to Ms. Smeeth, this is not a bill which promotes protectionism but a bill which will provide a level playing field for the reputed UK pottery makers. Stoke-on-Trent which is the biggest pottery maker in England will benefit the most. Some of the reputed pottery makers in Stoke already use the “Made in England” stamp which showcases their authenticity. About the industry Stoke has been historically known for their pottery making skills and is also called the Potters. Ceramics in Stoke is not a cultural heritage but also one of the biggest industry which employees 8000+ people in North Staffordshire. The total number of people employed in ceramics business all over UK is more than 22000. Pottery business in UK is huge and its economic contribution is £3 billion. The annual export revenue of potteries alone crosses £500 million which is a testament to their quality. Problem with the imports The biggest threat for the domestic pottery makers is the bogus backstamping. Ceramics imported from other countries and finished in UK are backstamped as “Made in England”. This is undermining the local producers and is also a threat for the domestic employment. The practice of stamping based on the country of finishing rather than the country of origin is created a unfair competition for the local manufacturers. This is why the bill introduced by Ms Smeeth ensures that the stamping should be done in the country where the potteries are first made and not where they are finished. Right now, tableware sold in UK either doesn’t have a backstamp or have a backstamp of the country where it is finished. This is creating a false impression among the customers as they are not aware which was originally manufactured in England. Most of these products are actually made elsewhere and imported here. Stamps are made while finishing or decorating the product locally. This bill has received welcome from many corners of the country and is even backed by British Ceramics Confederation, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and the GMB trade union.
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