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The Staffordshire-based founder of Phones4U has invested a six-figure sum in Stoke-on-Trent's Middleport Pottery. It comes as the company received its Regional Growth Fund (RGF) investment worth £1.7m.

Entrepreneur John Caudwell, who sold his mobile phone business for £1.5bn in 2006, committed the undisclosed funds to the pottery company as part of a project with The Prince's Regeneration Trust,.

Middleport was bought by the Prince's Trust in June when it was at serious risk of closure. The company is set to raise £5m to help create 100 jobs at the site, which is thought to be the last remaining Victorian pottery company in England.

Caudwell said the cash boost into Middleport will create jobs, attract new business and ensure the production of the famous blue and white Burleighware will remain in Stoke-on-Trent.

"In an era of an invisible and largely electronic economy, it is sometimes easy to forget that everything we know today was built on an industrial and manufacturing revolution, which bred incredible craftsmen and products, and made Britain a manufacturing powerhouse. Coming from an engineering background myself, I really appreciate the skills required in making and producing quality products," said Caudwell.

His announcement came as Middleport was handed its £1.7m RGF investment, which was announced under the first round of the funding scheme.

The funding was announced as the president of the Prince’s Trust, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, visited Middleport Pottery yesterday (Tuesday 25 October).

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "I'm pleased we're able to support the Prince's Regeneration Trust project through the Regional Growth Fund. This will provide a great boost to the economy in Stoke-on-Trent and create more employment in the area.

"We are making progress each day in signing contracts for bids from round one of the fund, and more announcements are expected later this week."