Aynsley China: Reinvigorating an Established Brand

“The input of Staffordshire University’s MA students made a major difference, not just to design of our products but also their development.”
Paul Hulme, Aynsley’s Head of Design

Aynsley China manufactures fine bone china giftware and tableware and has been a powerhouse of the traditional British pottery industry since 1775. 

As with most manufacturing, the market for china has changed significantly as lower cost economies have emerged. To stay competitive Aynsley needed new thinking on design, the company brand and the creation of new market opportunities within ceramics.

We set up a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Staffordshire University MA Ceramic Design graduates, Adele Barnes and Claire Benn, with support from Prof David Sanderson. The KTP allowed Aynsley to access not just their skills, but also the research & development facilities at the university’s Arts, Media & Design faculty.

The collaboration revolutionised many of Aynsley’s existing products and lines sold around the world. Not only that, new tableware and giftware products were developed, making Aynsley vastly more competitive within the ceramics industry.

As well as winning the Lord Stafford award for Achievement in Innovation, this project has now been recognised by a panel of independent assessors who have awarded a certificate of excellence.

This partnership received financial support from the Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme  (KTP). KTP aims to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the  better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK Knowledge Base. KTP is  funded by the Technology Strategy Board along with the other government funding organisations.

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