Story perspectives

UK Launches First Ceramics Support Package, Applications Open Summer

5/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

The UK government unveiled its first dedicated assistance package for the ceramics sector, after earlier schemes excluded it due to heavy gas reliance.
The funding programme will open for applications in the summer.
Ceramics UK chief executive Rob Flello said the measures create a partnership for the industry’s future.
Stoke-on-Trent MP Gareth Snell said the scheme will preserve and grow ceramic businesses, calling it the boldest intervention in a generation.

History

Historical Context

In late 1973 oil prices quadrupled, plunging the UK into a balance-of-payments crisis that Prime Minister Edward Heath warned would trigger recession. To offset costly imports, his government turned to coal and granted emergency aid to energy-intensive manufacturers, while the National Union of Mineworkers staged strikes that helped topple his administration in early 1974. Today’s £30 million ceramics assistance echoes that historic intervention to preserve regional jobs.

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Story summary

The UK government unveiled its first dedicated assistance package for the ceramics sector, after earlier schemes excluded it due to heavy gas reliance.
The funding programme will open for applications in the summer.
Ceramics UK chief executive Rob Flello said the measures create a partnership for the industry’s future.
Stoke-on-Trent MP Gareth Snell said the scheme will preserve and grow ceramic businesses, calling it the boldest intervention in a generation.

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