Denby Pottery falls into administration

Denby Pottery has appointed Tony Wright and Geoff Rowley of FRP Advisory as administrators following a period of challenging financial circumstances.

The British crockery brand, which serves both the hospitality and retail sectors, has struggled with soaring costs and low consumer confidence.

Denby has been handmaking crockery at its Derbyshire headquarters since 1809, and currently employs more than 500 staff.

The firm’s group of companies, including sister tableware brand Burgess & Leigh, first filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators on 11 March as a precautionary measure while it explored securing a long-term investment partner, other potential funding or restructuring solutions.

The group reported it engaged employees, customers, suppliers and retail partners, as well as with local and national government, along with advisers and potential investors to try to find solutions for all stakeholders. However, further investment has not yet been found and accordingly the 217-year-old company entered administration.

During this period Denby will continue to service orders placed online and through its stores and to supply its customers as normal. Its international subsidiaries in Korea, the USA and China are not currently in administration and will continue to operate normally for now.

Tony Wright, joint administrator of the Denby Group and partner at FRP, said: “Denby is one of Britain’s most beloved and enduring pottery brands, with a heritage spanning more than two centuries and a loyal following across the UK and internationally. Its products are found in homes from Derbyshire to South Korea, and the Burleigh brand, produced by Burgess and Leigh, is equally cherished across the global hospitality and luxury sectors.

“While it is disappointing that the group has been unable to secure the investment needed to continue as a going concern, the strength and recognition of these brands is undeniable. We are focused on progressing the sale process as quickly as possible, and we would encourage any interested parties to come forward without delay."

Denby has launched a campaign to save the company, harnessing the public support it has received, with the firm describing the response as “unprecedented”.

It stated: “The outpouring of support has been overwhelming and deeply moving and the company would like to thank the public for sharing, commenting, lobbying and buying as part of its #SaveDenby campaign.

“Pressure remains on government locally, regionally and nationally to step in to protect this important business and the wider industry before it is too late.

“Some of our team members have followed in the footsteps of family members who worked at Denby and many have worked here for over 20 years. If Denby disappears, we don’t just lose a brand. We lose jobs, we lose craft, and we lose a piece of living British heritage.”

In the hospitality sector, Denby supplies customers including the José Pizarro Group and Morston Hall.

Last year, Denby created a specialist sales manager for hospitality role, covering Denby and Burleigh Pottery. It recruited Jo Derbyshire into the position, who has more than 25 years of experience in the sector working with both Steelite and Churchill and more recently as head of sales for William Edwards.