Glassmaker questions future of UK manufacturing

Glassmaker questions future of UK manufacturing3 hours agoShareSaveAdd 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.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&#...