Welcoming new members to the BCC

The British Ceramic Confederation is delighted to welcome our new members as we continue to represent the collective interests of all sectors of the UK ceramics manufacturing industry.BCC Chief Executive Rob Flello said: “We are delighted to welcome new members to our growing family of businesses. BCC exists to serve our members and we look forward to working with our latest members to provide the highest quality technical support and representation.”The BCC’s sector experts provide wide-ranging professional advice to members, covering topics including health and safety, energy, emissions, planning, waste management, international trade, employment law, and education and training.Our new members are:1882 Ltd – manufacturers of design-driven ceramics.Formed by fourth and fifth generations of the Johnson Brothers family, 1882 Ltd was formed in 2011 by Emily Johnson and her father, Christopher, who has worked in the industry since 1958. At its core is progressive design and industrial craftsmanship.Director Emily Johnson said: “We are thrilled to be part of the BCC. We have an incredible industry and while it is increasingly hard to be manufacturers, Dad and I are firm believers that it is better together. It means an enormous thing for me personally to be in a confederation that my family has been involved in for generations.”Potterycrafts – manufacturers of pottery kilns for the craft and education market with its own range of raw materials, glazes, and clays.Potterycrafts was formed in 1983 by the merger of the craft supplies businesses from Podmore, Wenger and Harrison-Mayer, becoming an independent company in 1988. It incorporated kiln builders Webcott, part of Wengers, and in 2013, kiln and pottery equipment manufacturer, Roderveld was acquired to expand the product range. Tiranti joined Potterycrafts in 2021.Gary Hearns, Commercial Director, said: “Potterycrafts and Tiranti have a bright future ahead with plans for the modernisation of the business. Membership of the BCC has an important part to play as we embark on a major period of growth and modernisation of the business. We are confident that the expertise within the BCC will be there to support us during the challenges and assist us with sustainability and environmental responsibility. Engagement with and supporting BCC’s campaigns and programs will also give us exciting opportunities to engage with the wider ceramics sector.”Roy Kirkham & Co Ltd - a family-owned manufacturer of fine bone china tablewareThe company is linked to SIAK Transfers Limited, which provides high quality decals to Roy Kirkham & Co Limited and many other ceramic and glass manufacturers. The company primarily produces fine bone china mugs, cups & saucers, and teapots at its Tunstall factory.Ian Kirkham, managing director, said: “BCC membership is important for us as it provides a hub for UK ceramic manufacturers to be represented, supported, and promoted on a national and international level. Following Brexit, it is particularly important for providing guidance on European trade issues and food contact directives. Energy efficiency and emissions are also seen as a crucial area for which the BCC can provide advice and support.”Smith & Jennings - manufacturers of design-led garden pottery.Managing Director Simon Smith said: “Our main function is the manufacture and supply of British made flowerpots and planters to the garden & leisure industry. We know our customers will appreciate our offering as a return to well-designed and made British products. We are currently seeking new potential investors to work with on a major expansion project.“Our new membership of BCC is important to us because, for a long time, we have been working in relative isolation in South Wales and we hope this membership will give us better connection with others in the ceramic industry. In addition, the specialist advice we have received regarding major issues, such as obtaining relief on the CCL, is also important.”Therser (UK) - a specialist kiln, furnace, and exhaust purification companyFormed in March of 2009, Therser UK manufactures new kilns and furnaces, as well as specialising in Repair, Refurbishment and Specialised Equipment Relocation, for kilns and furnaces. It has also relocated complete factories, as well as individual industrial machinery units. All of its products and services have been developed in ceramic and metals industries for nearly 50 years.Trent Refractories – manufacturer and supplier of bespoke refractory products and solutions run by the same family since 1989.The company is known for its production of Electric Arc Furnace roofs, supplying every furnace within the UK as well as manufacturing their own blends of monolithic materials and a wide range of precast items for industries.Managing Director Katy Moss said: “Given the market changes in recent years, we believe that to continue to succeed we need to look at how to do business differently, learning from other industries as well as accessing the right expertise to enable us to evolve for the next generation. Our belief is that being a member of the BCC will broaden and deepen our connections and help guide us towards a sustainable future for not just refractories but all the industries we support.”