Denby Pottery, one of Britain’s most cherished pottery brands with a rich history spanning over 200 years, has called in administrators, putting its future in jeopardy and risking the loss of nearly 600 jobs. This significant development comes as the company struggles with escalating costs, including surging gas prices, higher labor expenses, and a decline in consumer demand.
On March 31, 2026, Denby Group appointed administrators from FRP Advisory, marking a critical juncture for the Derbyshire-based company. Despite being rescued from administration in 2009 by Hilco, Denby has faced mounting challenges that have led to a 17% drop in sales, with the most recent accounts revealing revenues of £18.6 million.
Pre-tax profits have also taken a hit, plummeting to £86,000 from £460,000 the previous year. These figures highlight the severe economic impacts that have affected not only Denby but the wider community reliant on its operations.
Denby’s international subsidiaries in Korea, the US, and China remain unaffected by the administration process, but the local workforce and community are feeling the strain. The GMB union, which represents Denby’s workers, has voiced concerns over the human cost of government inaction, emphasizing the plight of communities left vulnerable by rising energy costs.
In response to the crisis, a #SaveDenby campaign has been launched, encouraging local and international supporters to purchase Denby products and lobby for government assistance. Tony Wright, a spokesperson for the campaign, remarked, “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.”
Craig Thomson, a representative of the GMB union, added, “This is the human cost of government inaction: communities let down and workers laid off by companies that can’t keep up with the cost of energy.”
Despite Denby’s enduring global appeal and positive recent momentum, the company has not yet secured investment partners to help navigate its financial difficulties. As the community rallies around this iconic brand, the future remains uncertain.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the next steps for Denby and the potential for recovery. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this beloved pottery can continue to thrive or if it will become another chapter in the story of industrial decline in the UK.
