Hannah Ault Represents UK Ceramics at Parliamentary Dinner with Chris McDonald MP

Hannah reinforced that ceramics is a foundation industry deeply rooted in its regions, delivering skilled employment and supporting extensive supply chains.

The sector aligns closely with Labour’s priorities:

• High-skill, long-term jobs

• Strong regional economies, particularly across the Midlands and North

• Export strength and global competitiveness

• A committed and credible transition to Net Zero

From our perspective at Valentine Clays, these conversations matter. The right policy framework ensures stability for manufacturers, suppliers and customers throughout the ceramics supply chain.

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Hannah emphasised that ceramics is energy-intensive by design — not by inefficiency. High-temperature kilns and continuous firing processes are fundamental to producing quality ceramic materials.

However, many ceramic manufacturers are currently excluded from the Supercharger scheme, despite facing significant energy costs.

Extending access would:

• Protect skilled UK manufacturing jobs

• Strengthen regional economies

• Provide businesses with the headroom to invest in decarbonisation

This is about securing future competitiveness — not supporting outdated practices.

The ceramics sector is committed to Net Zero and is already investing in hydrogen readiness, electrification and next-generation kiln technologies.

Hannah highlighted that ceramics has a high proportion of process emissions that cannot be eliminated quickly. Without sector-specific flexibility, the UK Emissions Trading Scheme risks encouraging carbon leakage rather than delivering genuine emissions reductions.

A fair transition, and one that reflects industrial realities, is essential for maintaining UK manufacturing while progressing toward Net Zero.

Finally, Hannah addressed the growing challenge of international trade. UK manufacturers compete with imports produced using ultra-low-cost energy, including Russian gas used indirectly in countries such as India, Turkey and China.

Currently, the burden of pursuing trade defence cases falls to individual businesses, often SMEs.

Stronger government leadership on trade enforcement would:

• Ensure fair competition

• Protect domestic capability

• Strengthen UK manufacturing resilience

As a proud UK supplier within the ceramics industry, we fully support the work Hannah is doing at national level.

Her engagement at this Parliamentary Dinner ensured that the voices of ceramic manufacturers and suppliers were heard clearly and constructively.

With fair energy pricing, realistic emissions policy and strong trade enforcement, ceramics can continue to deliver skilled jobs, regional growth and long-term value for the UK economy.

We will continue to support and champion the sector as these important discussions progress.