Firms across North Staffordshire are making millions from products which fill a gap in the growing Chinese market.Luxury items, specialised energy technology and ceramic manufacturing equipment are among exports to an economy growing at around 10 per cent each year.

Dr Ian Jackson, senior lecturer in economics at Staffordshire University, said demand had been driven by a rise in Chinese wages and energy consumption.

He said: "The Chinese economy has more than doubled in size since the millennium.

"This has meant more disposable income for the middle and upper classes and increased demand for luxury goods. The country also needs primary products such as fuel to sustain its phenomenal growth.

"Over the years, tight economic controls have broken down and Chinese people have become more liberated to learn about the fiscal and monetary system. They now have the money and the ability to import."

North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry helps companies wanting to break into China by providing advice on issues such as market research and exhibiting.

Senior international trade adviser Pat Steele said the products likely to succeed in China were those not offered by the country itself.

She said: "I have encountered a real mix of companies that have decided to manufacture in North Staffordshire and those that have chosen to set up a base in China.

"The benefits of manufacturing goods here is the fact we have advanced equipment, specialized design and technological skills and an experienced workforce.

"That is what England has over many other countries in terms of all our exports."

Burslem-based Wade Ceramics is one company using its specialized skills and machinery to capture a share of the luxury market in China.

The firm has recently ploughed £1.2 million into new robotic production equipment to boost exports of decanters which it has been making for more than 30 years.

The company, which employs 213 people, does not export directly to China but sells to Scottish whisky brands such as Bells and Glenfiddich. Directors say the firm makes more than £1 million a year from the sale of decanters which eventually make their way to China.

Managing director Paul Farmer said: "We are seeing the Chinese decanter market growing by 15 per cent each year. It is a niche product in China but it is a big niche.

"There is a great deal of prestige associated with particular brands of whisky and decanters to show them off."