The chief executive of Denby Pottery, Sebastian Lazell, has warned that the 217-year-old company faces a low chance of survival unless investors can be secured. The firm, based in Derbyshire, filed a notice of intent to appoint administrators last week, citing rising energy and employment costs.
Lazell stated he is 'trying to move heaven and earth' to save the business but acknowledged there may not be a happy ending. He called on the government to extend the British Industry Supercharger energy cost support scheme to the ceramics industry urgently, saying it would boost investor confidence.
The Denby Group attributed its financial difficulties to 'escalating' employment costs and 'soaring' energy bills, which have risen from around £1.25 million annually before 2022 to between £2.5 million and £3 million. The company operates three large gas-fired kilns 24/7.
Denby currently employs 600 people, who are working as normal, but Lazell could not rule out redundancies if the company enters administration. He launched a campaign called #SaveDenby to raise awareness, lobby the government, and encourage purchases and visits.
A government spokesperson acknowledged the challenges facing the ceramics industry and said details of the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, which could reduce electricity bills by up to 25% for manufacturing businesses, would be published shortly.
