Alan Ault founded Valentine Clays in 1979 with his father, Alfred Alan Ault, combining passion, craftsmanship, and deep family heritage. Together, they built a strong foundation for one of the world’s leading clay manufacturers, fully committed to providing potters with the finest materials and unparalleled support. Now serving as Chairman, Alan continues to uphold the values of integrity, innovation, and excellence instilled by his father, ensuring that Valentine Clays remains a trusted partner and source of inspiration for potters worldwide.

Hannah Ault, daughter and granddaughter of founders Alan and Alfred Alan Ault, embodies Valentine Clays' legacy of tradition, innovation, and family heritage. Raised in the pottery industry, she developed a passion for the craft and a deep understanding of the business. Now leading the company, Hannah is also the first female president of Ceramics UK, Chairman of We are Staffordshire, and a Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire. Her leadership, grounded in family values, drives the company forward while honouring its reputation for quality, creativity, and community in ceramics.

Joanne Mellor has been a dedicated member of Valentine Clays since 1995, starting as a bookkeeper. Her attention to detail and strong work ethic have been instrumental in shaping the company’s financial stability and efficiency. With extensive experience and a commitment to excellence, Joanne remains a cornerstone of the company’s success, managing its finances with precision and integrity.

Sian Williams, Health and Safety Officer since 2018, is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our team and operations. She oversees safety protocols with precision, fostering a culture of excellence and adherence to the highest standards. As a certified Mental Health First Aider, Sian also champions mental health awareness, offering compassionate support to employees. Her commitment to both physical and mental well-being makes her an invaluable asset in safeguarding the health and happiness of our workforce.

David Wheeldon joined the team in Spring 2025, bringing a wealth of UK and international sales experience. A passionate advocate for the pottery industry, he focuses on strengthening customer relationships and identifying new opportunities. With a strategic approach, David plays a key role in growing the Valentine Clays brand and promoting our high-quality clays worldwide.

Gemma Bloor, Marketing Manager at Valentine Clays, has been an essential part of the team since 2022, bringing creativity, strategy, and enthusiasm to our promotional efforts. With a sharp eye for branding and an innovative approach, she’s played a key role in boosting the company’s visibility both online and offline. Gemma’s passion for storytelling and impactful messaging has strengthened our reputation in the ceramics industry, while her strategic thinking and collaborative spirit continue to drive growth in a constantly evolving marketplace.

Mark Cumberlidge, Technical Manager since 2021, brings extensive expertise from the raw material manufacturing industry. Specialising in technical support, he assists both the team and customers with material and process insights, ensuring smooth operations and client satisfaction. Mark also leads the new product development team, creating innovative clay formulations to meet evolving industry needs. His dedication to excellence and passion for innovation drive the development of clay ranges that exceed standards, keeping Valentine Clays at the forefront of the ceramics industry.

Gary Rushton, our Production Manager, exemplifies dedication and perseverance with over 20 years of loyal service. Starting as a sliphouse operative, Gary honed his skills and demonstrated exceptional commitment, rising through the ranks to his current role. Today, he oversees manufacturing operations with precision and passion, ensuring seamless production processes and maintaining the highest quality standards. His journey from operative to manager is an inspiring testament to the growth opportunities available through hard work and excellence.

Paul Trevor, our Warehouse Manager for 20 years, maintains an organised, efficient warehouse. His attention to detail ensures smooth inventory management and shipping logistics, while his commitment to cleanliness and high standards reflects his pride in his work. Paul's leadership and work ethic have been vital to creating a reliable, efficient warehouse environment, making him an invaluable team asset.

David Chell, our Engineering Manager, transitioned from a self-employed engineer to a key member of our production management team. His expertise was vital during the expansion of our factory, overseeing equipment installation and optimization to meet growing demand. David's proactive maintenance approach and commitment to safety ensure efficient and secure operations. His journey from external resource to internal leader highlights his invaluable contributions and critical role in our continued success.

Kate Goodwin, our Sales and Admin Executive, joined in May 2024 and quickly became vital to customer service and sales operations. Her unwavering dedication to providing exceptional service ensures every customer receives the same care and attention, regardless of order size. Kate’s commitment to delivering a seamless, positive client experience reflects her passion for excellence and strong work ethic, making her an invaluable team member.

Fallon McCabe is a dedicated member of our Customer Service team since September 2023. She is renowned for her exceptional commitment to ensuring every customer interaction is positive and memorable. With a keen eye for detail and a genuine passion for delivering outstanding service, Fallon goes above and beyond to support our customers, ensuring their experience with Valentine Clays is second to none.

Our dedicated workforce is the backbone of our company, working tirelessly from the production line in the factory to the shipping team in the warehouse. The production team, with their skill and precision, ensures that every batch of clay is crafted to the highest standards, reflecting our commitment to quality. Meanwhile, our warehouse team takes immense pride in meticulously organizing and preparing each shipment, ensuring our products reach customers efficiently and in perfect condition. Together, this hardworking and passionate group forms the foundation of our success, delivering exceptional clay products with unwavering dedication.

Our company mascot, Loki, the clay-loving bulldog, has become a beloved symbol of Valentines. As a loyal companion and a fun-loving ambassador of our company, he represents the heart of our craft and the close-knit nature of our team. Always on paw-trol, Loki takes his role as building security very seriously, though belly rubs and treats are a welcome distraction!