World-famous pottery maker Denby has been forced to end manufacturing after failing to find a buyer, in a move described as 'devastating' for skilled workers and their families. The company, based in Ripley, Derbyshire, whose roots date back 217 years, plunged into administration at the end of March. Former boss Sebastian Lazell said rising energy costs had caused unsustainable losses.
Administrators Confirm Closure of Manufacturing Operations
FRP Advisory, the administrators appointed to run the business, said discussions remain ongoing regarding certain parts of the group. However, it revealed it had not been possible to secure a buyer for the manufacturing operations and the 'joint administrators have taken the difficult decision to close the business’ making and design departments.' The move will result in a further 49 job losses, following an earlier 80 job cuts earlier this month.
Union and Administrator Reactions
Tony Wright, joint administrator of the Denby Group and partner at FRP, said: 'This is another very difficult day for the skilled workers at Denby and we understand how devastating this news will be for those affected and their families. Unfortunately, despite extensive efforts, we have been unable to find a buyer for the manufacturing operations and have had to take this difficult decision. We remain in discussions with interested parties regarding other parts of the business and continue to do everything we can to support affected employees through this process.'
Craig Thomson, an organiser at the GMB union, said: 'Denby is a British icon, producing some of the world’s finest ceramics. It is shameful and totally avoidable that administrators are stripping this company of its most important asset, its highly skilled potters. We will resist and fight for workers for their voice to be heard. We won’t accept company administrators fast tracking job losses and breaching legal obligations to close the doors as soon as possible. Government must intervene, the collapse of a British icon will be on their watch if they don’t.'
Energy Costs and the Iran War Impact
Denby trades on its 'made in England' heritage, producing everything from dinner services and bakeware to pots and pans. Customers include John Lewis, Lakeland and Dunelm. In its last accounts for 2024, Denby said it had been another 'challenging year with a lack of consumer confidence all major markets leading to reduced demand.' Annual losses grew from £3.4million to £4.6million. As of the end of 2024, it had a total of 536 staff.
Denby boss Sebastian Lazell told the BBC last month he was 'trying to move heaven and earth' to save the business, but added he had to be realistic that there may not 'be a happy ending.' He called on the government to extend an existing energy cost support scheme to the ceramics industry as soon as possible. Denby has three large gas-fired kilns that operate 24/7 to produce its pottery. According to the BBC, the company’s annual energy costs used to be about £1.25million before 2022, but have since increased to between £2.5million and £3million.
The Iran war risks piling on the misery for heavy energy using firms after a jump in the cost of oil and wholesale gas. The closure of Denby's manufacturing operations marks the end of an era for the iconic British brand, with fears growing for other energy-hungry businesses now being hit by soaring costs due to the geopolitical situation.
