Denby Pottery has announced that it will stop all manufacturing and made a further 49 workers redundant after going into administration earlier this year. The company has been in business since 1809, but is now struggling to find a buyer amid “challenging times” and “enormous financial challenges”.
Administrators were appointed at the end of March and have not been able to find a buyer for Denby’s manufacturing operations, despite “extensive efforts”. However, there is still the possibility that other parts of the firm get bought out after a whopping 217 years in business.
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.”
On March 31, the Denby Group of companies in the UK filed for administration, appointing FRP Advisory to manage the process.
The notice was intended as a precaution, giving Denby a period of stability while exploring options to secure a strategic investment partner aligned with the company’s long-term vision.
Many reacted to the news on social media. One person wrote: “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 said: “Denby are the best of British. They must be saved,” while another wrote: “We can’t let this happen! I love Denby’s beautiful pieces.”