UK pottery company collapses into administration – in business for 217 years | UK | News
Denby Pottery has slashed the price of all its products after it was confirmed the 217-year-old business would cease production. Former CEO Sebastian Lazell confirmed that the chain appointed administrators on March 31 after rising costs caused the company losses.
More than 100 workers are understood to have been laid off, as confirmed by managers on 22 April, when initial reports suggested 80 people had been laid off, followed by a further 49 workers. Administrators FRP Advisory said it was “not possible to find a buyer for the manufacturing operations” and that “the difficult decision was taken to close the construction and design departments of the business”.
Craig Thomson, local organizer for GMB, which represents workers at the site, said it was “disgraceful and entirely avoidable that managers have deprived this company of its most important asset – its highly skilled potters”. “We will resist and fight for the voices of the workers to be heard,” he said.
The pottery business has operated since 1809 from its studio in Derbyshire, employing more than 500 artisans, apprentices, engineers and shop managers from across the country.
Denby confirmed it will continue to trade under management led by FRP Advisory while discussions continue over the sale of some or all of the business and its brands.
“During this period Denby will continue to service orders placed online and through its stores and supply customers as normal,” he said. All stocks reduced by 20-50%.
In early March, the firm said reduced customer demand, “rising” employment costs and “rising” energy costs were “making the business financially tight”. Mr Lazell previously told the BBC he was trying to “move heaven and earth” to save the business.
A petition to save the ceramics industry has now collected more than 69,000 signatures. He called on the government to include ceramics businesses in the British Industry Supercharging Scheme, which saves money on electricity costs.
Former worker Hayley Baddiley told the BBC: “This petition is basically calling on the government to provide a level playing field; we have some of the most expensive industrial costs in the world.”
One disappointed customer posted on Reddit: “Pour one for a 200+ year old company that has never dropped the quality. We’ve been adding to our set for over 30 years and you can’t tell the difference between 30 year old plates and 2 year old plates.”
As further redundancies were announced, Tony Wright, joint director and partner at FRP, said: “This is yet another very difficult day for skilled workers in Denby and we understand how devastating this news will be for those affected and their families.
“Unfortunately, despite our intense efforts, we were unable to find a buyer for the manufacturing activities and had to make this difficult decision.
“We remain in discussions with relevant parties regarding other parts of the business and continue to do everything we can to support affected employees through this process.”
