Client News
Record-breaker Steelite International plans to create more than 230 jobs
1 May 2013
Steelite International has delivered record results for the third year in a row.
The leading ceramics manufacturer posted the milestone figures as it unveiled details of investment that will lead to more than 230 new jobs.
For the third year running Steelite International broke its turnover record with sales of £70.2 million in 2012 – up six per cent from £66.3 million in 2011.
Revenues were helped by strong performances in Eastern Europe, South America and Asia, as well as a 13.5 per cent rise in the U.S.
Pre-tax profits stood at £7.2 million for the year, down from £7.9 million because of costs related to expansion plans and the acquisition of world-famous brand Royal Crown Derby.
Kevin Oakes, Chief Executive at Steelite International, said: “It’s been a truly incredible year for Steelite International, and I’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone involved.
“The commitment and passion of the team here and overseas has been a real driver for this growth.
“We sell into more than 130 countries, and more than 80 per cent of our turnover is from export markets. I have no doubt that’s largely because we manufacture in the UK.
“Our overseas customers see a real value in the Made in England backstamp. It’s not just about the quality and design, it’s about the integrity of the business as a whole – the service we offer and the fact that we stand by our products and our values.”
Demand was helped in 2012 by three new ranges – Craft, Koto and Optik. Sales this year will be bolstered by Royal Crown Derby as the new acquisition moves into the high-end hospitality market with new products and designs.
Steelite International employs more than 800 people, with more than 700 of these working at its Stoke-on-Trent headquarters.
That will rise by 60 when a 2,000 square metre (22,000 sq ft) extension to the dish-making unit is completed by the end of the year.
Next year, work starts on a new state-of-the-art 5,480 square metre (59,000 sq ft) production facility adjacent to Steelite International’s existing site that will create more than 170 additional jobs.
Mr Oakes said: “That’s great for this city, it’s great for the industry and it’s great for Steelite International.
“This is such an exciting time for the group, and the plans we have for both Steelite International and Royal Crown Derby are really innovative.
“Everyone who has contributed to our success in 2012 should feel a huge amount of pride, and I fully expect 2013 to be another exceptional year.”
Shepherd PR News
May 2013 – Career Opportunities
Account Manager
Shepherd PR is a successful, specialist PR and Marketing agency, creating offline and online communications for our construction, property, manufacturing and corporate clients. The stamp of our business is a superb journalistic approach, carried out by a responsive and flexible team – which puts our customers first.
We are looking for a PR Account Manager to join our growing team, which works in the field of media relations, video and social media. Highly customer-focused, and with excellent writing skills, the successful candidate will be confident talking to clients and the media, and have the ability to grasp technical details – as well as the creativity to bring stories to life. Based in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, the role requires a willingness to travel across the UK as necessary.
Please send CV to jo@shepherd-pr.com
April 2013 – Crowning Glory For Climate Week
Shepherd PR secured almost 200 articles of coverage for Crown Paints, following the paint manufacturer’s recent support for Climate Week last month.
From interviews on BBC local radio, coverage at a national level in the Daily Express and on Sky News’s website - as well as articles across regional newspapers the length and breadth of Britain - the PR activity reached millions of people and helped make Crown’s ‘Kick Out The Can’ recycling initiative a major success.
Shepherd PR also joined-up the campaign with a video produced in-house and social media activity across the company’s Crown Decorating Centre and Crown Paints’ Professional channels.
On the eve of Climate Week, Crown also secured the Green Manufacturer accolade at the ‘Made In The North West Awards,’ organised by North West Insider. Shepherd PR put together the successful award entry and Account Director Jane Shepherd went along with members of the Crown team to celebrate at the event. (Picture from the ceremony courtesy of Paul Burrows www.paulburrowsphoto.com)
See the video we produced for Crown Paints’ to mark Climate Week at http://bit.ly/XQWp8w
