Ceramics manufacturer gets £3m BGF funding boost

Posted on 6 May 2014 by Victoria Fitzgerald

Stoke-on-Trent based ceramics manufacturer Dudson has secured a £3m funding deal from the Business Growth Fund (BGF).

The 200-year-old family run business will invest in more efficient manufacturing equipment, streamlining production processes and improving its sales and marketing capabilities.

The company, established in 1800, produces ceramic tableware for the travel and hospitality industries at its factories in Stoke-on-Trent and Digoin, France.

The investment comes from BGF, an independent company aimed at supporting and growing UK small to medium sized businesses.

The organisation, which employs over 500 people, has a turnover of almost £30m. The firm is under the stewardship of eighth generation family members Ian, Max and Mark Dudson. The next generation is represented by company marketing manager and Ian’s daughter, Katie.

Ian Downing, Investment Director at BGF who joins the company’s board, said: “Dudson has an impressive 200-year track record and has carved out a strong niche position in the international market for hospitality tableware.

“It is a great example of a British manufacturing business that has invested heavily in product and process innovation and successfully taken it products into an international marketplace.

“The company’s board has now identified a clear strategy to develop and grow the business, with the objective of being able to pass on a larger, stronger organisation to future generations.

“We look forward to bringing both financial and strategic support to the table and to working with the team to deliver on their ambitions.”