BBC: Rising Energy Costs Affecting Tabletop Manufacturers

In a recent article done by the BBC, rising energy costs and their impact at least one major tabletop supplier shows of impending implications to our industry.

According the the BBC  article, “Davin Bates is a management accountant at one of Stoke-on-Trent’s remaining successful potteries, Steelite. It is a sprawling village of redbrick buildings employing 650 people which produces half a million pieces of crockery a week. There are seven kilns in all. Keeping them fired up was costly enough last year. But this year Davin has faced a 55% rise in the cost of gas. The firm’s electricity bill has also gone up by 17%.”

“We find it difficult to pass on these costs to our customers,” says Davin. He says profits are therefore getting squeezed and the company’s future plans are in jeopardy. “Investment will have to be looked at, because this is coming off the bottom line,” he adds.

Certainly, the overall costs of producing a product takes in many factors. But in a time when operators find it difficult – if not impossible – to raise menu prices, something has to give.

And it’s not just a problem for the U.K. or the ceramics industry…..it’s something that is a problem for everyone. Take heed when you cast your votes in upcoming elections and make sure to get your voice heard.