‘I HOPE THAT IN SOME WAY IT CAN INSPIRE YOUNG WOMEN’
Hannah is new MD of clay manufacturer
BUSINESS expert Hannah Ault has stepped up to lead clay manufacturer Valentine Clays – which was set up by her family more than 40 years ago.
The third generation of Aults to work in the business, she has been promoted to managing director after joining the company more than seven years ago.
As well as her role at Fenton-based Valentine Clays, which sells more than 100 clay products, Hannah is also on the board of the Stoke-on-trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and We Are Staffordshire, where she is chair.
The 42-year-old also runs one of the largest ceramics festivals in Europe called Art in Clay, which brings together more than 200 ceramic exhibitors, and is the co-owner of health and beauty retreat Alchemy, based in Milton, which she runs with sister Laura Price, below.
Hannah, whose previous roles include PR and marketing manager at Emma Bridgewater and Moddershall Oaks spa, added: “The recognition of this new role means more than anything and is the pinnacle of my career.
“I hope that in some way it can inspire more young women that hard work, determination and above all positive thinking pays off – and that the ceramics industry can be an industry of choice as well as working in a manufacturing role.
“In terms of the next five years, I plan to continue to grow Valentine Clays, while supporting an industry that I am extremely passionate about, with help from the amazing team I have around me.”
A Valentine Clays spokesperson said: “We are extremely proud to announce that Hannah Ault has been promoted to managing director of
Valentine Clays. Over the last few years Hannah has successfully led the business through significant growth and continues to strengthen the business with her knowledge and leadership.”