THE UK CERAMICS INDUSTRY - AN OVERVIEW

A survey will be presented of the U.K. classical/traditional ceramics industry within the framework requested for the Session A10 which plans to survey the businesses on an international level. The presentation with be based upon a survey of the industry undertaken by the British Ceramic Confederation. The industry, which is a long standing traditional one for the United Kingdom with its roots in both construction and domestic products, has made major contributions to the advancement of the technology and has, for a long time, been a significant exporter. In this presentation the industry will be sub-divided into the domestic, construction and industrial sectors. Statistics relating to the production, market and sales for the three sectors will be given. In the time available the effects of the overall economy, energy considerations, environmental issues, educational issues and technical developments will be selectively reviewed.