Denby is appealing to the public to help save the iconic pottery. The #SaveDenby campaign has been launched online following the shocking news that the company has filed a ‘Notice of Intent to Appoint Administrators’ due to the insolvency of the business as a result of the enormous financial challenges they are facing.
Citing “tough market conditions” over the past three years, paired with “reduced consumer spending confidence softening demand for products, combined with escalating costs of employment in the UK and soaring industrial energy costs, have all squeezed the business financially”, Denby said in a statement.
Tragically, the brand adds: “We are still hoping to secure new investors or financial restructuring for Denby, but face the prospect that if that does not happen soon, Denby will close for good.”
The Denby brand has been part and parcel of the British ceramics industry for more than 200 years, and arguably is one of the UK’s best known pottery brands.
Denby has operated from the same site for over 200 years. In an impassioned plea to the public, Denby says: “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. In a world of turmoil and anger, please do something meaningful and positive if you’re able to. Something to feel good about, something which will make a positive difference and potentially save a British institution from being lost forever.”
Denby operates three gas-fired kilns with annual energy costs now running between £2.5 and £3 million, for reference they used to be in the region of £1.25m before 2022.
The brand is urging the public to support them via a number of measures; share their #SaveDenby campaign online, support their government petition, buy Denby products and visit their pottery in Derbyshire.
Speaking to the BBC, Denby’s CEO Sebastian Lazell said he was “trying to move heaven and earth” to save the business but said there may not “be a happy ending”.
Mr Lazell also reiterated calls for the UK government to urgently extend the British Industry Supercharger, (an existing energy cost support scheme), to the ceramics industry.
“This is urgent and cannot wait for a long-time solution,” he told the BBC. “It’s important for government to recognise this is about now, not about some time next year.
“It won’t make the difference in cash terms immediately, but what it does change is investor confidence.”
To learn more on how to support Denby visit https://www.denbypottery.com/pages/save-denby
