Pottery firm closes after 100 years with jobs lost

Pottery firm Moorcroft has ceased trading after more than a century in business, resulting in the loss of 57 jobs.

The historic company, based in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, announced it was shutting down with immediate effect.

Rising energy bills and competition from cheaper imports were cited as key reasons behind the closure.

The firm had already warned in March of possible redundancies, pointing to increasing costs and declining sales at the time.

Founded in 1897, Moorcroft had operated from its Sandbach Road site since 1913. Over its long history, the brand gained international acclaim, securing royal patronage in 1928 when it was appointed Potter to HM The Queen, and later became part of the Royal Collection under Queen Elizabeth II.

Directors said insolvency firm Moore Recovery has been instructed to handle the company’s voluntary liquidation and will be in contact with creditors in due course.

GMB Organiser Chris Hoofe said: “The closure of Moorcroft is devastating news for workers and their families, but unfortunately, it’s not a surprise. The high cost of energy is crippling the ceramics sector in the UK and has directly led to the loss of 57 jobs at Moorcroft. The Government must act and act now to support the ceramics sector and protect workers in this sector.”

The news is the latest blow to Stoke-on-Trent’s once-thriving pottery industry, following the collapse of Royal Stafford earlier this year, Wade Ceramics in 2022, and Johnsons Tiles in 2024.