Since graduating with an LLB (Hons) followed by a CPE and an LLM from University of Staffordshire, Caroline Farnell-Smith combines the analytical rigour of a triple-alumni legal background with the creative heart of the Potteries.

Her most recent enterprise, which began as local village hall workshops, has evolved into a growing business harnessing Staffordshire creativity.

The Pottery Cave was formally established as a limited company in April 2025 and now has premises, a team of 12 staff and an ambitious but sustainable growth plan.

The business has achieved a 100%+ increase in turnover over the past 12 months. Growth has been driven by diversified services, high customer demand and strong repeat business.

In the last year alone The Pottery Cave, based at Curborough Countryside Centre in Lichfield, has delivered ceramics sessions to more than 10,000 customers.

The Pottery Cave is a creative pottery studio and community hub offering pottery classes, workshops and bespoke ceramic products. Originally established as a grassroots community initiative operating from village halls, the studio was created to make ceramics accessible, social and enjoyable for everyone.

Caroline’s connection to ceramics began in the 1980s. While she spent years honing her intellectual discipline at University of Staffordshire, the tactile pull of the Ceramics remained her true north.

Caroline invested heavily in her own technical mastery. She sought out world-class training in advanced wheel throwing from industry titans like Kevin Millward, the master potter and technical brainchild behind The Great Pottery Throwdown, and acclaimed Master Potter Gabriel Nichols, further refining her advanced throwing and production techniques.

Armed with a Certificate in Teaching, Caroline began testing the market in village halls. The overwhelming response validated her vision, leading to the opening of her first small studio in 2021 and setting the stage for aggressive commercial expansion.

As a lifelong champion of Staffordshire’s rich industrial heritage, she strategically aligned her business with top-tier industry manufacturers, whilst investing heavily in the heart of the ceramics Industry in Staffordshire.

Elevating from a local tutor to a trusted industry partner, she established a direct relationship with Valentine Clays to support the testing of their new LoStone clay and accompanying reactive glaze product range working with their technical teams at both Valentines Clay and Milton Bridge Ceramic Colours to field-test their revolutionary studio ready glazes at the cutting edge of ceramic innovation.

Caroline Farnell-Smith has entered the Alumni Business Person of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.