Denby Pottery, founded in 1809 and handcrafting stoneware on the same site in Derbyshire for over 217 years, has entered administration. The company filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators on March 11, 2025, according to the company. The administration was caused by rising costs in energy and employment, as well as low consumer confidence, the company said.
The financial struggles have been building for some time. Denby's annual energy costs rose from £1.25 million before 2022 to between £2.5 million and £3 million, the company shared with the BBC. The company operates three large gas-fired kilns that run 24/7, according to multiple reports. Denby's turnover fell by 17% in 2024, according to company financial results. The most recent accounts for 2024 show sales fell 17% to £18.6 million and pre-tax profits slumped to £86,000 from £460,000, according to company accounts.
I'm trying to move heaven and earth to save the business.
Job losses have already begun. Denby currently employs 600 people, according to CEO Sebastian Lazell. However, the company's end-of-2024 accounts listed 536 staff, a discrepancy that may reflect timing or counting methods. Earlier in April 2025, 80 workers were made redundant, the BBC understands, though administrators have not confirmed the exact figure. A further 49 jobs were cut due to the closure of manufacturing and design departments, according to administrators FRP Advisory.
The company launched a #SaveDenby campaign to raise awareness and encourage purchases and lobbying, according to a company statement. The campaign saw unprecedented engagement but failed to secure investment partners, the company said. Administrators are seeking buyers for parts of the business, but manufacturing operations have no buyer, according to FRP Advisory. Denby has explored a range of options but not yet secured a strategic investment partner, according to The Mirror. According to www.newsandstar.co.uk, a Denby Group spokesman described the search for a suitable partner as continuing, and expressed hope that a solution can be found.
We are calling on the government to extend the British Industry Supercharger to ceramics.
Government and political figures have responded. More than 40,000 people signed a petition for Denby to be included in the British Industry Supercharger scheme, according to multiple reports. According to BBC News - England, Sebastian Lazell described the company as calling on the government to extend the British Industry Supercharger to ceramics. Amber Valley MP Linsey Farnsworth has met with Denby bosses and GMB union representatives, according to research. According to Daily Mirror - Main, Linsey Farnsworth described working to ensure stability and protect livelihoods. According to www.newsandstar.co.uk, Linsey Farnsworth described continuing to advocate for the support Denby needs. According to Daily Mirror - Main, Craig Thomson of the GMB described the situation as the human cost of government inaction, saying the government has failed to act on energy costs.
The broader ceramics industry is under pressure. Wedgwood and Emma Bridgewater have also suffered sales declines, according to multiple reports. Royal Stafford called in administrators in 2024, followed by Moorcroft in May, according to research. Surging energy costs caused by the US-Israel war on Iran are compounding tough conditions for Britain's factories, according to manufacturers and lobby groups.
This is the human cost of government inaction. The government has failed to act on energy costs, and now workers are paying the price.
International operations and online sales continue during administration. Denby will continue trading online and in-store during administration, according to a company statement. International subsidiaries in Korea, USA, and China are not in administration, the company said. Denby has an outlet store at Caledonia Park in Gretna and 24 outlet stores across the UK, according to research.
Competition from cheap dupes has also affected sales. Cheap dupes of Denby products are sold on Temu and TikTok Shop at lower prices, according to a Daily Mail analysis. Denby was rescued from administration in 2009 by Hilco and also owns the Burleigh brand, according to research.
Following the announcement, I will continue to advocate for the support Denby needs.
Other recent administrations provide context. Claire's administrators closed 15 of 154 stores and cut over 100 jobs; unsecured creditors owed £10.6 million are not expected to be paid, according to research.
Several unknowns remain. It is unclear whether a buyer will be found for Denby's manufacturing operations or other parts of the business. The total number of job losses if no buyer is found has not been confirmed. The exact number of current employees (536 vs. 600) is disputed. What specific government support, if any, will be provided to Denby or the ceramics industry is not yet known. Whether the #SaveDenby campaign or any other initiative will succeed in securing investment remains uncertain.
The search for a suitable partner will continue, and we remain hopeful that a solution can be found.
I am working to ensure stability and protect livelihoods.