Stoke-on-Trent City Council is signing up to a pledge to “buy local” when it comes to ceramics.
The Potters’ Pledge is a campaign led by the GMB union aimed at protecting a vital – and historic – part of the city’s economy.
It calls on organisations to source part of their ceramic needs from companies in Stoke-on-Trent and the wider county.
Jane Ashworth, leader of the city council, today confirmed support for the campaign.
That will include a promise to make sure routine purchases of tableware are sourced from local providers.
Stoke-on-Trent became a global hub for ceramic production in the 18th century.
Ceramics remains an important part of the local economy, not only through the city’s traditional – and world-famous – tableware producers, but also through artistic innovators and advanced ceramics producers who are central to “industries of the future” like space and defence.
Councillor Ashworth said: “We are proud to sign up to this pledge and urge other organisations – and individuals – to do the same.
“Stoke-on-Trent is famous across the globe for the quality of our ceramics. Buy buying local, we aren’t just supporting local businesses – we are also getting the best of the best.
“Buying local doesn’t have to mean spending more – but it does mean we are keeping money in Stoke-on-Trent and supporting local businesses, and local jobs.”
