Moorcroft Pottery Closure Highlights Industry Crisis

Moorcroft Pottery, a historic ceramics firm in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent with a 128-year legacy and royal connections, has ceased trading and entered voluntary liquidation, resulting in the loss of 57 jobs. The closure is attributed mainly to soaring energy costs and declining sales, reflecting broader trends impacting the UK ceramics sector. Industry leaders and unions have urged the government to provide urgent support, citing the higher operational costs faced by UK manufacturers compared to European competitors. Multiple ceramics companies in Staffordshire have closed in recent years, highlighting the industry's vulnerability. Despite these setbacks, local sector leaders remain hopeful that increased government intervention and innovation could secure the industry's future. The closure of Moorcroft is regarded as a major cultural and economic loss for the region.