For several years, Ceramicraft has been a key supplier to McLaggan, providing high-quality screen-printed products for bone china mugs, Christmas baubles and other ceramic products. The companies have built and enjoy an strong working relationship.

Ceramicraft, established in 1982 by Tony Kilgariff and Peter Dovison and incorporated as Ceramicraft Limited in 2016 by Tony and Angela Kilgariff and based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, has an excellent reputation, supporting many recognised brands across the UK Ceramics and Gifts sectors since incorporation.

Tony and Angela will remain with the business in key leadership roles and will continue to work with existing suppliers to ensure Ceramicraft’s high-quality service to its broad customer base.

McLaggan, based near Loch Lomond in Scotland, was established in 1974 and has built a reputation decorating and firing bone china mugs and baubles for many well-recognised designers and brands in the giftware and homeware markets.

McLaggan will provide administrative and operational support to the Ceramicraft team who will continue to operate from their current premises in the heartland of the UK pottery industry in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

McLaggan Smith was acquired in 2021 by N4 Partners from the founders who had established the business in 1974.

N4 Partners recognise Ceramicraft as an exciting and very important acquisition for McLaggan Smith and recognise the wide range of opportunities available to the combined business group. Specifically, Ceramicraft is very well placed in its market and N4 Partners will look to invest in developing the capability at Ceramicraft to serve its customers and strengthen the business.

Keith Mitchell, partner at N4 Partners and chairman of McLaggan Smith, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have Tony, Angela and the team at Ceramicraft join the group.

“We are grateful to Tony and Angela for their positive approach to our discussions and we look forward to working with the Ceramicraft team and its current suppliers to help grow the business on the back of providing excellent customer service to an exciting customer base in a very dynamic industry.”

Mr Kilgariff, co-founder of Ceramicraft, said: “Joining with McLaggan Smith provides a great opportunity for our team at Ceramicraft.

“We have enjoyed a great working relationship with McLaggan over the years and this merger will strengthen both businesses and provide fantastic opportunities for our people and our customers.”