The future of one of the UK’s most beloved pottery firms, Denby, remains uncertain after the company filed an administration notice earlier this month.
The 217-year-old pottery firm is currently fighting to survive as it seeks an investment partner – citing rising costs, tough market conditions and reduced customer spending as the reasons behind its struggle.
Following the first notice on March 11, the Derbyshire-based company has since secured an additional 10‑day extension, which means it has until April 8 to find financial backing.
So, it seems the race is on to save the historic UK pottery firm, which makes everything from dinner sets to bakeware and pans, and employs over 500 people.
Denby's CEO Sebastian Lazell told BBC News last week that he was "trying to move heaven and earth" to save the business.
The British pottery stalwart – which is sold in the likes of John Lewis, Lakeland and Dunelm – is hoping to get its loyal customer base behind it, by unveiling a #SaveDenby campaign to help bring it back from the brink of collapse.
It also hopes to lobby the UK government to extend an existing energy cost support scheme to the ceramics industry as soon as possible.
The #SaveDenby campaign outlines 4 ways people can help save the British manufacturer; by sharing posts on social media to spread awareness, signing a government petition (when it launches), shopping for products online and visiting the Denby Pottery Village in Derbyshire.
A heartfelt message from the company on the Denby website urges customers and British pottery fans to show their support. It reads: “Generations of craftspeople have poured love and skill into every pot, each piece created has found its way to homes in the UK and abroad. The plates used for birthday cake, the mug for that warm cup of tea when things feel a bit too much, the Christmas dinners, the quick leftovers after a hard day.
“Denby was there for it all. Now we find ourselves at a critical moment, with our pottery, heritage and the livelihoods of 500+ employees at risk, we are asking you to be there for us."
The brand's administration notice has also put the future of British pottery in the spotlight. Gary Smith, general secretary of the GMB union, has warned the UK’s ceramics industry is “at a crossroads” and accused the government of “sitting on its hands”.
4 ways you can help Denby:
- Share the campaign far and wide on social media
- Sign the government petition which is due to be approved imminently and / or contact your local MP
- Buy Denby products, in stores and online
- Visit the Denby Pottery Village in Derbyshire
For more information on the campaign visit the Denby website.
Lizzie is the Daily Editor at Country Living, where you’ll find her writing about unique property market finds and dreamy UK staycation spots. Her specialisms include interiors, property, wildlife, travel, slow living and more. Previously, she’s written for Metro, Evening Standard, Ideal Home, Woman & Home and various other home and lifestyle titles. Lizzie studied English Literature at University of Liverpool, where she also was a writer and editor for her uni paper.
