A Macclesfield potter is settling into life at her new home.

Pen-y-bont Ceramics recently moved into a larger unit at the historic Waterside Mill, having outgrown its previous space.

Now, owner, Emma Wictome, is looking to take her business to the next level.

She said: "The new space gives me room for more wheels, more workspace and larger kilns, increasing both production and teaching capacity.

"It means I can run more workshops, welcome more members into the studio, and increase supply to the local businesses I already work with.

"I'm currently stocking more than a dozen local businesses including Yas Bean, Cornershop, Lobby and Early Bird Bakery.

"With more production space I can finally say yes to more of those conversations!"

Pen-y-bont Ceramics recently moved into a new, larger, unit at Waterside Mill in Macclesfield (Credit: Ffion McKeown)

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Originally from Pen-y-bont in Wales, Emma first got into pottery almost a decade ago.

She says throwing clay becoming a way to switch-off from the challenges of being a science teacher.

Stress eventually led to her developing alopecia, at which point she decided to rethink her career and prioritise her wellbeing.

So, in 2023, Emma made the leap into ceramics full-time, starting the business with a £1,000 investment from her grandmother.

With the diary now filling up with workshops and the waiting list steadily growing, Emma decided it was time to move into a bigger unit.

She said: "Over the past three years I've outgrown the original space and needed more room to make more pots and teach more people.

"It's been busy, chaotic and really exciting.

"Moving a working pottery studio is no small task, but it's been amazing to see members and students already settling into the new space!"

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Emma added: "Just a few years ago I was teaching science, and now I'm running a pottery studio.

"Every time I call my nana, she reminds me how proud she is of her investment!"

Emma decided to give full-time pottery a go after developing alopecia (Credit: Ffion McKeown)

Every Treacle Market Sunday, Emma releases a batch of pottery on her website.

These collections, inspired by Macclesfield, typically sell out within minutes.

Emma said: "It started as a way to connect my work to the town, and it's become something people genuinely look forward to. The bigger kilns are definitely needed! 

"I love how fiercely proud the people of Macc are of independents and creatives — I'm from Pen-y-bont, but I've definitely found a home in Macclesfield!"

Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, Emma says her focus is to make more pottery and teach more people.

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She is already planning to expand her offering of workshops and introduce larger group classes.