Unique industry celebration features Best of British design

A resurgent, design led British industry will be celebrated at Ceramics 2013 on Thursday, 26 September. 

The unique event brings together the whole of the ceramics industry – from designer makers to large tableware manufacturers and beyond. 

Ceramics 2013 at the new CoRE exhibition centre, Stoke-on-Trent, is open to all and features around 40 trade stands, live demonstrations and high quality design themed seminars. 

The one day event will feature a keynote speech from top British designer Wayne Hemingway and delegates will be offered free consultations by the Design Council. 

Max Dudson, Chairman of Ceramics 2013, said “We have developed a dynamic, design led event which will be both a showcase for our industry and a chance to gain inspiration through learning opportunities. 

“Ceramics 2013 is developed by a committee drawn from within our industry. They give their time freely to build an event which provides unique opportunities for ceramic companies of all sizes and our supply chain. 

“We believe this year’s event reflects an industry on the up while giving everyone inspiration to further develop their businesses.” 

It has been a good year for many companies, with expansion plans on the way at event sponsors such as Wade and Steelite International and many companies posting healthy profits. 

ENDS 

For media enquiries contact Nigel Howle by telephone on 07762043436 or email, [email protected] 

Notes to Editors: 

Event timetable:

 9.15am: Media briefing (not open to the public) sponsored by Ceram (breakfast available). Tristram Hunt, MP, for Stoke-on-Trent Central. Tony Kinsella, Chief Executive of Ceram and Laura Cohen, Director of the British Ceramics Confederation will speak and be available for individual interviews. 

10am: Exhibitions open

11am: Design immersion seminar, led by Paul Farmer, Managing Director of Wade and Andy Cripps, independent design specialist. 

1pm: Keynote speech by Wayne Hemingway.  This will be part of a networking lunch and tickets can be booked in advance. 

1.40pm: Media opportunity: Wayne Hemingway with ceramic design students from Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College and Newcastle-under-Lyme College. 

2pm: Workshop for design students led by Wayne Hemingway. 

3pm: Seminar “Your Role in Rebalancing the UK Economy” Led by Frances Morrall of the BCC with guest speaker, Paul Noon, UKTI Regional Director for the West Midlands. 

4pm: Question time, a panel of industry experts will lead a debate hosted by special guest Martin Tideswell, deputy editor of the Sentinel newspaper, Stoke-on-Trent 

From designer makers to large manufacturers, the British ceramics industry is renowned the world over.  Ceramics 2013 is a major industry event bringing together ceramics companies and their suppliers to both celebrate and market the industry and showcase its future as a design-led, iconic British success story. 

UK Ceramic Industry Key Facts 

*      The ceramics industry has sales, including supply chain, of £2 billion with more than 20,000 people are employed in the industry and its suppliers 

*      Total export sales value more than £500 million. 

*      The sector includes bricks, wall and floor tiles, clay roof tiles, tableware, sanitaryware, technical ceramics, refractories and materials suppliers