Pottery bosses hold Government talks as Johnson Tiles to end UK production

Pottery bosses have held 'urgent' Government talks after one of Stoke-on-Trent's most iconic factories announced the end of UK production. Stoke-on-Trent North MP Jonathan Gullis organised the meeting with business and trade secretary Kemi Badenoch after Johnson Tiles, in Tunstall, announced the impending loss of 105 jobs.

Johnson Tiles managing director Stephen Dixon was present for the London meeting.

Mr Gullis said: “I was pleased we could get an urgent meeting with the secretary of state to talk about the sad news that Johnson Tiles will no longer manufacture its products in the Potteries. I’m confident that the secretary of state will have taken the thoughts of Stephen and others from the ceramics industry on board to ensure the Government can do all they can to support one of the leading industries in the Potteries.”

Mr Dixon outlined to the meeting why Johnson Tiles was stopping UK production after 123 years.

He said: “It was good to talk through what steps the Government can make to support the UK ceramics industry in the light of recent news with Jonathan Gullis, Kemi Badenoch and other representatives from the UK ceramics industry. Whilst it is with great sorrow that Johnson Tiles has been forced to outsource work overseas, I hope this urgent meeting will ensure the Government take our points of views on board.”

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