Burslem-based Wade Ceramics has been in production since 1810 and is a world leader in the manufacture of porcelain. Wade first produced porcelain goods such as creel steps and shuttle eyes for the North West's fast-expanding textile industry. After the Second World War, Wade began to produce giftware and collectables, and is best known for its collectables. Its Whimsie figures, produced since 1953, celebrate a 50th anniversary this year - the company sells eight million annually.Historically a family firm, in 1999 Wade became independent.

Edward Duke, Chairman * Qualified as a chartered engineer at Durham Technical College. * Established own mining business before selling privately * 1984: Joined publicly quoted company in manufacturing * 1991: Appointed chief executive of Beauford plc, where Wade Ceramics was the only ceramics company. He worked to save the future of the company, by selling off group assets in coal, steel and hydraulics and buying additional ceramics companies * 1998: Appointed chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, remaining a non-executive director of Beauford * 1998: Masterminded management buyout of the ceramics arm of Beauford and revamped Wade Ceramics saving 250 jobs locally * Interests: Foxhunting, shooting and other country pursuits. Also enjoys tennis and looking after his four children

Paul Farmer, Managing Director * Qualified in cost and management accountancy at North Staffordshire Polytechnic * 1974 Joined Wedgwood as a trainee accountant * 1980 Moved to British Insulating Calendar Cables (BICC) * 1985 Became finance manager for actuator division of Lucas Aerospace * 1987 Appointed financial director of Spring Bathrooms at Spring Ram Corporation * 1992 Moved to Hazlewood Foods as financial director for bakery division * 1995 Joined Wade Ceramics and subsequently became finance director * 1996 Part of management buyout team, with purchase completed in 1999. Became managing director in 2000 * Interests: Trying to keep fit, listening to music, watching sport and learning about wine (includes tasting). Lives in Leeds with partner Liz and has two daughters and two sons

Chris Mannering, Finance Director * Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, qualifying at Staffordshire University * Left school and joined the Civil Service * 1979 Took a year out to achieve accountancy qualifications * 1980 Spent eight years with the National Coal Board, promoted to head of ancillary accounts (western area) * 1988 Joined the adhesives and sealants division of Evode plc as a cost and management accountant * 1990 Became company accountant of Bridgemere Garden World * 1999 Appointed financial director of Direct Autoservices Ltd * 2000 Moved to Wade ceramics to become financial director responsible for finance and personnel functions. * Interests: DIY (though some would argue!), supporting Port Vale, and sports in general

Martin Austin, Site/Works Manager * Member of the Institute of Works Management * 1970 Joined Wade as a lab assistant, testing ceramic materials and checking processes * 1972 Became junior undermanager and began four-year management training programme, providing departmental assistance * 1976 Promoted to senior manager with responsibility for gas refractories * 1979 Moved to contract casting department as senior production manager in charge of Bells flagons and promotional ceramics * 1988 Became joint works production manager overseeing entire works and running of Wade's Greenhead site * 1993 Promoted to site manager, responsible for Greenhead works. * 1997 Became site manager for Hilltop works * Interests: Fishing, gardening and photography

David A Goddard, Technical and Quality Manager(FIM) * 1974 Joined Wade Ceramics as laboratory technician from Wolstanton Grammar School * 1979 Completed Licentiate of Institute of Ceramics at North Staffordshire Polytechnic * 1981 Appointed technical manager Wade Ceramics and completed Associate of Institute of Ceramics at North Staffordshire Polytechnic * 1996 Elected Fellow of Institute of Materials * 1997 Promoted to technical and quality manager at Wade Ceramics * Interests: Fishing, gardening and country pursuits.