Denby Pottery, founded in 1809, has entered administration and halted all manufacturing after failing to find a buyer – 49 workers have been made redundant during ‘enormous financial challenges’
Denby Pottery has revealed it will cease all production and axe a further 49 jobs after entering administration earlier this year. The firm has been trading since 1809, but is now battling to secure a purchaser amid “challenging times” and “enormous financial challenges”.
Administrators were brought in at the end of March and have failed to locate a buyer for Denby’s manufacturing arm, despite “extensive efforts”. Nevertheless, there remains a chance that other divisions of the company could be snapped up after a staggering 217 years in operation.
Tony Wright, joint administrator of the Denby Group, 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.”
Denby blamed declining customer expenditure, increased employment costs and soaring energy bills as factors behind entering administration, reports the Express.
On March 31, the Denby Group of companies in the UK filed for administration, appointing FRP Advisory to oversee the process.
The decision came after a notice of intention to appoint administrators was lodged on March 11, following “a period of challenging financial circumstances brought about by soaring costs and low consumer confidence.”
The notice was filed as a safeguarding measure, providing Denby with a window of stability while examining opportunities to secure a strategic investment partner in line with the firm’s long-term goals.
Numerous people responded to the announcement on social media. One individual posted: “This is terrible news. How can a company that’s so amazing (from quality of the products to the amazing customer service) and with such an incredible heritage be under such threat! Will share far and wide and make some purchases now.”
Another person commented: “Denby are the best of British. They must be saved,” while someone else posted: “We can’t let this happen! I love Denby’s beautiful pieces.”