Burleigh Pottery 'putting Stoke-on-Trent on map' as Boris Johnson tries out £41 cup and saucer
An historic pottery manufacturer revealed how it is putting Stoke-on-Trent on the global map during a ministerial visit earlier today. Burleigh Pottery showcased its export success when it welcomed International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan to its Middleport base this afternoon.
The 171-year-old company – which is renowned for its traditional manufacturing processes – recorded a turnover of £2.5 million last year, after its products were sold into 82 countries including the US, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea.
Burleigh managing director Jim Norman accompanied Ms Trevelyan on a tour of the facilities during her visit, which came hours after Boris Johnson hosted a cabinet meeting in Stoke-on-Trent. During the visit, the Prime Minister was photographed sipping tea from a Burleigh Pottery-made Blue Calico cup and saucer which retails for £41.
Mr Norman said: "Burleigh has exported to global markets since it's inception in 1851 and we are keen to continue benefiting from free trade around the world. It has been fantastic to show the Trade Secretary around our pottery, and to thank her and her department for their support and advice that maintains and develops our long-established tradition of exporting."
One of Burleigh's biggest export markets is Japan. The firm enjoyed a 60 per cent growth in exports, worth £250,000, in 2020, following the UK’s free trade agreement with the country – the UK's first major trade deal as an independent trading nation.
And the company's international sales success looks set to continue over the coming years after new free trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand.
Ms Trevelyan said: "It is great to see British businesses exporting across the world thanks to our brilliant free trade agreements. Businesses who export support higher paying jobs, and help grow the economy across the UK. Seeing Burleigh succeed shows the high demand for quality British products, and I will continue to champion great British exporting success stories in every sector."
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