Portmeirion predicts record year - graduate jobs

University leavers searching for manufacturing or sales jobs will be boosted by a Stoke-based ceramics manufacturer predicting 2010 will prove a record year.

Portmeirion, which is behind the Spode and Royal Worcester brands, revealed that soaring demand in overseas markets have accounted for around 70% of its turnover.

Interest from countries such as North America and South Korea have ensured that the firm is on course to significantly beat profit predictions for the current financial year.

Meanwhile Portmeirion, which bought Spode and Royal Worcester out of administration last year, is also expecting strong demand in 2011 as it prepares a line of products to commemorate the Royal Wedding in April.

Royal Worcester souvenirs will include fine bone china items with a 22-carat gold finish that are set to fetch up to £400 per item.

Chairman Dick Steele said the company hoped to sell hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of wedding-related products worldwide.

He added: "We are delighted that 2010 will be another record year for sales as we continue to capitalise on the Spode and Royal Worcester brands."

Portmeirion said sales in the second half of 2010 were significantly up on the same period last year and profits before exceptional items were also well ahead of expectations.