Glassmaker questions future of UK manufacturing

An important development from the financial markets: Glassmaker questions future of UK manufacturing3 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleMike GilmoreBristolBBCBristol Blue Glass Managing Director Suzanne Adlington questions why anybody would go into manufacturing with costs so highA long‑established Bristol glassmaker has questioned whether manufacturing in the UK is still viable, blaming rising energy costs and taxes for pressure on the industry. Bristol Blue Glass, which has produced its specialist glassware for nearly four decades, has spoken publicly for the first time since confirming it will close in May. Its managing director, Suzanne Adlington, said rises in National Insurance and fuel prices had made it harder for energy‑intensive firms to operate.

The government said Budget decisions were intended to support households and businesses, but Adlington said the measures offered little reassurance, asking: "Why would anybody do business in the UK at the moment? "More from BristolInside the youth hubs tackling the knife crime effortEmergency department 'stretched and overcrowded'Carnival scaled back amid cost and safety concernsBristol Blue Glass will close by the end of MayThere was visible frustration when Adlington spoke about the challenges facing the business, which revived a Bristol tradition dating back to the 18th century, when the city was a global centre of glass and bottle manufacturing. Founded in 1988, Bristol Blue Glass went on to gain national recognition, with its work appearing in popular culture, including an ornate pillar of glass running through the centre of Matt Smith's Dr Who Tardis and the goblets in the first installment of the Harry Potter films all made by the company.

Economic Details

Concerns about the company's future first emerged in November, when its lease was due to expire. Following public support and backing from Bristol City Council, the lease was extended until the end of May and a new site at the city's Harbourside was identified. 'All bets were off'However, Adlington said a series of price shocks over recent years had intensified, with global events pushing fuel prices sharply higher.

"In the stint of a few months the Iran war happened and then just all bets were off really. She said increases to the price of fuel "by virtually double" had "crucified" the market "more or less completely". "We can't go forward raising money in the hope that everything's going to miraculously improve overnight.

"She added that VAT on businesses like hers "cripples creativity". "Why would anybody do business in the UK at the moment? Why would anybody go into manufacturing here?

Analyst Views

"David Barry has been working at Bristol Blue Glass for his entire adult life. David Barry, the hot shop manager, has been working at Bristol Blue Glass for the last 17 years, his entire adult life. He told the that he "fell into it by accident" after being made redundant from a job selling fishing tackle.

He said he was "absolutely gutted" to be losing this job, especially after investing so much in it.

Financial markets are tracking the development closely as investors assess the likely impact.