Ceramics UK Welcomes Government’s £120 Million Industry Support Package

The £120 million investment package unveiled today by Government will propel the ceramics sector into a new period of innovation, safeguarding jobs and putting it on a sustainable pathway for the future.

Ceramics UK has welcomed the funding, announced today in Parliament by the Chancellor, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, that £60 million is being allocated towards capital expenditure to help the ceramics sector invest in equipment, with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability.

Another £60 million has been ringfenced to help the ceramics’ industry fund related costs.

Left to right; Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with Rob Flello, Chief Executive of Ceramics UK, pictured this week (19 May) after discussions on the package of measures for the sector, announced today (21 May) in Parliament under the Ceramics Industry Support Scheme.

Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle met with Rob Flello, Chief Executive of Ceramics UK, earlier this week to discuss the support package and how to design and implement it.

Rob Flello said: “This is a turning point for the sector, with the Government taking decisive action that recognises the fundamental role of ceramics in the UK economy.

“It should propel us ahead into the years and the decades to come, and once more make the UK’s ceramic industry the talk of the world.

“With a focus on decarbonisation, it can create investment in new equipment and technology that will champion innovation, while safeguarding jobs and putting the sector on a more sustainable footing for the future.

“Ceramics are critical to the manufacture of vital products such as steel, glass and other high temperature products, as well as items that are used daily in homes and businesses across the UK.

“Ceramics UK has previously pressed for the Government to include ceramics in the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, but this new package announced by the Secretary of State surpasses that, with much more targeted support geared to the unique needs of our sector.

“Now, working with our members as the voice of the industry, we look forward to working closely with Ministers and civil servants in designing and implementing the measures outlined in the Business Secretary’s statement of intent.

“Our priority is to ensure that the scheme works for all members of Ceramics UK, from the smallest ceramics companies through to the largest organisations, creating a sustainable future for our industry.”