Denby, a renowned pottery maker with a rich 217-year history, has ceased manufacturing operations due to the inability to secure a buyer. The company, headquartered in Ripley, Derbyshire, entered administration in late March, citing unsustainable losses caused by escalating energy expenses.
Administrators from FRP Advisory, overseeing the proceedings, disclosed that despite ongoing discussions regarding certain business segments, no buyer was found for the manufacturing divisions. Consequently, the decision was made to shut down the making and design departments, resulting in an additional 49 job cuts on top of the previously reported 80 layoffs.
Tony Wright, the joint administrator for the Denby Group, expressed empathy for the affected workers and their families, acknowledging the challenging circumstances. Despite exhaustive efforts, a buyer could not be found for the manufacturing operations, leading to the regrettable outcome.
Craig Thomson, a representative from the GMB union, lamented the loss of Denby’s skilled potters, emphasizing the significance of the company as a British heritage brand renowned for its exceptional ceramics. He vowed to advocate for the workers and criticized the administrators for hastening job terminations without proper consideration.
Denby, known for its “made in England” ethos, crafts a wide range of products such as dinnerware, bakeware, and cookware, supplied to retailers like John Lewis, Lakeland, and Dunelm. In its latest financial report for 2024, Denby acknowledged the challenging market conditions that led to increased annual losses and reduced demand across key markets. At the end of 2024, the company employed a total of 536 staff members.
Sebastian Lazell, the former Denby boss, expressed efforts to salvage the business but acknowledged the grim reality of the situation. He urged the government to extend energy cost support to the ceramics industry promptly. The company’s significant energy expenses, primarily driven by gas-fired kilns operating round-the-clock, have surged in recent years, exacerbated by rising oil and gas prices amid global geopolitical tensions.
The escalating energy costs due to external factors like the Iran conflict have added to the financial strain faced by energy-intensive businesses like Denby. The industry is grappling with heightened operational expenses, necessitating urgent government intervention to mitigate the impact on domestic manufacturing entities.
