The pottery firm, which has a 200-year history, has collapsed into liquidation, according to GMB Union.
Royal Stafford, based in Stoke-on-Trent, called in administrators on Tuesday 4 February 2025, with the loss of 83 jobs.
A union spokesperson said that the firm’s collapse was a ‘wake up call’ for the government and its industrial strategy. Colin Griffiths, from GMB, said: “Our ceramic and pottery industry is vital for economic growth and supports thousands of jobs across the UK.”
Royal Stafford was established in 1845 and described itself as one of a handful of potteries with all production in England. The company said it had faced a dramatic reduction in orders, which coupled with rising energy prices, has left it unable to afford to continue to trade.
In a statement, Royal Stafford said: “It is with great sadness that the directors announce the closure of RST Limited, which trades as Royal Stafford, with immediate effect. The company has faced a dramatic reduction in orders in recent months and coupled with the increase in energy prices this has left it unable to afford to continue to trade. The company has traded as a manufacturer and retailer of tableware from its Burslem factory since 2007, when its current owners bought the business and assets of Royal Stafford Tableware Limited.
“The Royal Stafford brand was established in 1845, and the company was one of the few remaining traditional pottery manufacturers in North Staffordshire. The closure of the factory has resulted in the redundancy of 83 employees, many of whom have worked for the company since 2007 and some who worked for Royal Stafford Tableware prior to that.
“The directors have pursued every avenue possible to save the business, but without the guarantee of a profitable forward order book, this was not possible. The directors have engaged the services of insolvency firm Moore Recovery to place the company into liquidation. Creditors of the company will be contacted by Moore Recovery in due course.
“A closing down sale is planned and further information regarding this will be provided when possible. Anyone who has orders to collect from the factory shop will also be contacted in due course.”
