A family-owned luxury silver and tableware maker in Birmingham has gleaming new prospects after clinching a £1 million deal with legendary china manufacturer Wedgwood.

The deal will secure jobs and is expected to be worth at least a seven-figure sum to Heritage Collection, a fast-growing family business based in Small Heath.

The partnership means that Heritage will produce a new range of exclusive silverware for Wedgwood's hospitality division. Named Helix, the range has been specially designed by Heritage designer Nathalie McDonagh.

The hospitality division has clients all over the world, including Emirates Airlines, Royal palaces and the world's top hotels.

As well as supplying to Wedgwood's prestigious clients, the range will be available in Wedgwood's exclusive catalogue alongside world brands such as Vera Wang and Jasper Conran.

The range has already scored its first international success and will be supplied to the new five-star Langham hotels in Boston and Chicago.

Heritage chairman Martin McDonagh said the partnership would secure jobs at their factory for years to come and could result in more being created.

"It is a significant coup for us to be associated with such a prestigious worldwide brand as Wedgwood, and confirmation of the originality and desirability of our products. We look forward to a long and lucrative partnership," he said.

Tim Harper, Wedgwood's head of hospitality, said he was delighted to have Heritage as a partner.

"We have long admired the quality and innovative ideas that Heritage has produced for the hotel and restaurant industry over many years, and the company shares our high standards and vision.

"There is no doubt that our relationship with another high quality British manufacturer will seize on the current mood of our domestic and international buyers to look for the very best of British," he said.

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