Latest news with #Portmeirion
BBC News
5 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Portmeirion pottery boss 'optimistic' about industry's future
The boss of a pottery firm has said he is "cautiously optimistic" about the industry's future, provided government support is Raybould, CEO of Portmeirion - which also owns the Spode brand - said despite recent difficulties, he believed there could be a bright future for the wider ceramics costs were among the biggest problems facing pottery firms, he said, and he urged government do more to help in order to "level the playing field" with other firm's wares are currently sold in about 60 countries globally. "What we find, with our brands, they are loved around the world," he said."People respect the 'made in the UK', the 'made in Stoke', the heritage that goes with that, the love and the craft that this city has in spades."He added his firm was launching a fresh push this week to highlight its own originated in 1770, he said, and he wanted people who worked for the firm to feel proud that their wares had been made in the city.A new logo and backstamp for his company's products would ensure the firm's origins were made clear, he said. 'Huge opportunity' "Stoke-on-Trent was the centre of the UK ceramic industry for a reason, and a leader for 100-200 years, so we have to believe it's important."We have a skill base in this city that is second-to-none, and we've got to cherish that."Although more than two thirds of his products are sold abroad, Mr Raybould said there was a "huge opportunity" to increase the industry's footprint further in other countries if it received the support it needed."We really, really hope that this time the government recognises the importance of Stoke-on-Trent and the UK ceramics industry," he said."Clearly it's been a tough four or five years for the consumer around the world in terms of the cost of living crisis."But really it's cost inflation – in particular energy costs. Soaring energy costs in this country have been a real problem, I think, for the industry generally." Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Interior Design Masters winner on what spurred him on to victory
Interior Design Masters winner and Stockport teacher John Cooper has said reminding himself of the advice he gave his students got him through the most challenging parts of the competition. The design and technology teacher was named the winner of the BBC1 show's sixth series last week following his Mediterranean-inspired transformation of a cottage in Portmeirion, Wales. Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, Cooper said he had to "take his own advice" during the most challenging parts of the experience, particularly the four times he was up for elimination or "on the couch". He said: "Each time it would have been so easy to put my hands up and think, I can't do this anymore." Cooper added: "In the back of my head I was thinking about the students and what I tell the students - don't give up, persevere, and all that sort of stuff."I thought, what is the best example I can be here?"He said he had to "keep quiet and go back to my normal life" after filming wrapped in September. Students at the school started tuning in in April when she show started to air. Cooper said: "I would get a grilling when I'd go in, like 'you've been on the sofa again' or 'tell us who the winner is'."I've been on half term, so I don't know how they're going to react when I see them." He said the show's host, comedian Alan Carr, helped him get through the tough times. "He's so, so funny 100% of the time," Cooper said. "When he rocks up and you're stressing… he comes along and he makes you smile and he makes you happy."After 19 years of teaching, Cooper said he would finish up at the end of the school year to pursue a full-time career in interior design."That's been the dream for all this time and it's actually becoming a reality now," he said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Wales Online
02-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Conwy mansion house estate in same family for hundreds of years is on the market
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A famous Welsh estate that spent hundreds of years in the same family has come on the market. The Garthewin Estate, located near the village of Llanfair Talhaiarn, spans more than 500 acres. It was the family home of Robert Wynne - with his family having a 1,000 link to this area. The first written records refer to the house in the 14th century. The Elizabethan house which replaced it was knocked down, as was the Jacobean house which came next. The current Georgian-style hall, designed in 1767 by Joseph Turner of Chester, was later enhanced by Clough Williams-Ellis, the visionary behind Portmeirion. A striking tower was added in 1870 to house the estate's grand ballroom, today the principal reception room. The Wynne family's stewardship ended in 1996, when descendant Menna MacBain sold the estate when it finally became too expensive for the family to run. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community The current owner acquired the property as a principal residence. They have now placed it on the market with Fisher German, at a guide price of £4,500,000. The estate includes the 11-bedroom Grade II-Listed hall with an adjoining flat, as well as five secondary residential properties, a farmhouse, extensive outbuildings, stabling and a private theatre. (Image: Fisher German) It also has a Grade II-listed chapel featuring a bell tower, altar and stained-glass windows. The estate's extensive grounds feature formal gardens, agricultural land and forestry, providing potential for diverse usage or income-generating opportunities subject to planning. The property also offers an immediate income from its cottages and farmstead, as well as its farmland and woodland. (Image: Fisher German) Michael Harris, Partner at Fisher German, said: 'This is an incredibly rare opportunity to purchase a stunning estate spanning more than 500 acres which enjoys good connections to the commercial centres of the North West. 'The Grade II-listed hall is an important 18 th century Welsh country house, retaining fine external character and good interior detailing, while the extensive grounds provide a wealth of potential income-generating opportunities such as an equestrian centre, country retreat or glamping, subject to planning.' Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
North Wales Live
02-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Conwy mansion house estate in same family for hundreds of years is on the market
A famous Welsh estate that spent hundreds of years in the same family has come on the market. The Garthewin Estate, located near the village of Llanfair Talhaiarn, spans more than 500 acres. It was the family home of Robert Wynne - with his family having a 1,000 link to this area. The first written records refer to the house in the 14th century. The Elizabethan house which replaced it was knocked down, as was the Jacobean house which came next. The current Georgian-style hall, designed in 1767 by Joseph Turner of Chester, was later enhanced by Clough Williams-Ellis, the visionary behind Portmeirion. A striking tower was added in 1870 to house the estate's grand ballroom, today the principal reception room. The Wynne family's stewardship ended in 1996, when descendant Menna MacBain sold the estate when it finally became too expensive for the family to run. The current owner acquired the property as a principal residence. They have now placed it on the market with Fisher German, at a guide price of £4,500,000. The estate includes the 11-bedroom Grade II-Listed hall with an adjoining flat, as well as five secondary residential properties, a farmhouse, extensive outbuildings, stabling and a private theatre. It also has a Grade II-listed chapel featuring a bell tower, altar and stained-glass windows. The estate's extensive grounds feature formal gardens, agricultural land and forestry, providing potential for diverse usage or income-generating opportunities subject to planning. The property also offers an immediate income from its cottages and farmstead, as well as its farmland and woodland. Michael Harris, Partner at Fisher German, said: 'This is an incredibly rare opportunity to purchase a stunning estate spanning more than 500 acres which enjoys good connections to the commercial centres of the North West. 'The Grade II-listed hall is an important 18 th century Welsh country house, retaining fine external character and good interior detailing, while the extensive grounds provide a wealth of potential income-generating opportunities such as an equestrian centre, country retreat or glamping, subject to planning.'
BBC News
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Stoke-on-Trent pottery museum to host ceramics makers' market
A ceramics market is returning to Stoke-on-Trent amid ongoing concern about the future of the event, at Gladstone Pottery Museum on Saturday, will be attended by contestants from The Great Pottery Throw Down and about 60 makers, the city council in the city's pottery industry called for more government support after Royal Stafford entered liquidation last month, with a second firm, Portmeirion, also confirming leader Jane Ashworth said the market would be a "fantastic event" for both aspiring potters and fans of the television pottery competition. She added the venue had hosted a number of similar events over the years, which were always popular."Our centenary year is in full swing right now so what better way to showcase our brilliant city than with an event that celebrates all things pottery," Ashworth added. Contestants Jonathan Jolly, Steve Brown and Natalie Simms from the latest series of The Great Pottery Throw Down are due to attend, alongside representatives from local firms Burslem Pottery and Scruffy Little Herbert. The ceramic makers' market will run from 11:00 GMT until 16:00. Entry is free of charge, with advance booking not will be stalls offering a range of clay artworks for sale, from traditional works to abstract will also be able to view a Great Pottery Throw Down exhibition which opened at the venue earlier this month as part of the city's 100th anniversary display features six bird baths the TV potters were challenged to create in episode seven of the show to reflect the area's industrial heritage, green spaces and waterways. Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
