How booming exports have lifted historic Potteries firm

BooMing exports have boosted business at one of the oldest firms in the potteries.

Stoke-based Churchill China said profits rose 24pc to £3.3m in the six months to June 30 amid strong demand in Europe.

The 223-year-old firm sells crockery and other tableware to hotels and restaurants across the continent, while its UK customers include Wetherspoons, Jamie oliver and Marks & Spencer.

Sales were up 6pc to £27.2m, with exports, now 63pc of revenue, rising 16pc.

David o’Connor, the chief executive, said the success was thanks to technology that allowed it to make durable ceramics in nonstandard shapes, in a variety of colours.

The 61-year-old said: ‘We realised five or six years ago that we would struggle to improve our market share in the UK. We’ve been heavily focused on the hospitality sector and, year on year, we’ve improved our European product offering – and that’s allowed us to compete very well. We are very excited about the future.’

he said the firm could move into Asia, central and south America and Africa.