Historic pottery thriving a year after closure

A historic pottery in Stoke on Trent says it's doing "really well" after being rescued by its founder's grandson.

Moorcroft Pottery went into liquidation and was forced to close its doors last year as soaring operating costs hit businesses across the ceramics industry.

The company, founded in 1913, has since been rescued by William Moorcroft, who stepped in to buy the business and reopened the doors.

Moorcroft said it had long been his ambition to work in the business, having watched family members work there, and praised loyal staff for helping it survive.

"I think having watched my uncle, my father, my mum all work in the business I always wanted to be involved," he said.

The new owner said the biggest challenge had been whether the business could be made viable again but credited staff for helping him do that.

"What we did have was a very loyal workforce and without them Moorcroft can't be made," he said.

He added that some former employees had returned and production had resumed.

"We've got most people we can have back back," he said. "We've got customers. We're making, we're producing. It's going really well."

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