Portmeirion china earns royal boost

Portmeirion forecast that it would post its highest-ever sales figures this year, boosted by strong overseas demand for its Spode and Royal Worcester pottery ahead of the royal wedding in April.

The company, known for its Royal Worcester fine bone china and its blue and white Spode tableware, expects to post full-year sales of at least £50m for 2010, with Spode and Royal Worcester contributing about £13m.

The ceramics maker, based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, said it was launching more than 250 products, including a collection of Royal Worcester items, to commemorate the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton this year.