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.

The post Denby Faces Uncertain Future as Administrators Are Appointed in Derbyshire appeared first on propnews.co.uk.

The numbers

In a significant move for both the UK and Türkiye, Defence Secretary John Healey has announced a multi-billion-pound agreement that will see the training of Turkish Air Force pilots and ground crew in the UK. This landmark deal is expected to secure 20,000 jobs in the UK, particularly linked to the production of the Typhoon fighter jets.

As part of this agreement, 10 Turkish pilots and nearly 100 ground crew technicians will receive training in the UK. Healey emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “This partnership does not just export world-leading British built jets, it builds alliances, grows our economy, and makes NATO stronger.” This deal marks the largest UK fighter jet export order in nearly 20 years, showcasing the strength of British aerospace capabilities.

More than a third of every Typhoon fighter jet is manufactured in the UK, with the Typhoon programme supporting over 1,100 jobs in the South West region and an additional 800 jobs in Scotland. Notably, nearly 6,000 jobs are directly linked to the Typhoon programme at BAE Systems sites, highlighting the extensive impact of this agreement on the UK workforce.

During a recent interview, Healey faced scrutiny when he struggled to recall the exact number of ships in the UK’s navy fleet, stating, “We have 17 frigates and destroyers. It’s down from 23 at the end of the last Labour government.” This moment has raised questions about the current state of the UK’s naval capabilities, especially in light of the growing demands on national security.

Despite these concerns, the Typhoon deal is seen as a positive step towards strengthening NATO’s combat air capability, particularly on its eastern flank. Healey remarked, “Türkiye’s decision to acquire Typhoon is a vote of confidence in British industry and British jobs,” reinforcing the significance of this partnership in the context of international defense collaboration.

As the agreement unfolds, it is anticipated that the training of Turkish personnel alongside RAF members will enhance collective security efforts. Healey expressed pride in this collaboration, stating, “I’m proud that Turkish pilots and engineers will train alongside our RAF personnel to strengthen our collective security.” This sentiment reflects a broader commitment to fostering international partnerships in defense.

While the details of the training programs and their implementation are still being finalized, the agreement represents a promising development for both nations. Observers are keenly watching how this partnership will evolve and what further implications it may have for UK-Türkiye relations and NATO’s strategic posture.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline for the training and the specific locations involved, but the enthusiasm surrounding this deal is palpable. As the UK continues to navigate its defense priorities, the Typhoon agreement stands out as a beacon of collaboration and economic opportunity.

The post John healey: UK’s Secures Multi-Billion Pound Typhoon Deal with Türkiye appeared first on propnews.co.uk.

Ghana Independence Day: Celebrating 69 Years of Freedom

What does Ghana’s 69th Independence Day signify for the nation and its people? The day, celebrated on March 6, 2026, serves as a moment of reflection and pride for Ghanaians, marking nearly seven decades since the country became the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence from colonial rule in 1957.

During the celebrations held at Jubilee House in Accra, President John Mahama emphasized the importance of honoring Ghana’s history and its founding leaders, stating, “This is our story. This is our moment. We cannot speak of Ghana’s present without paying homage to our past.” The theme for this year’s event was “building prosperity, restoring hope,” highlighting the nation’s ongoing journey towards development.

The ceremony was attended by former presidents, government officials, diplomats, traditional leaders, and school children, showcasing a united front in celebrating the nation’s achievements. Notably, the event also included the launch of the UK Black Stars List in the House of Commons, London, recognizing the contributions of British-Ghanaians.

In a significant move, President Mahama announced plans to file a motion to the United Nations to declare slavery a crime against humanity, reflecting the government’s commitment to historical justice. He remarked, “We dey work wit partners across Africa and di diaspora to seek historical justice,” indicating a broader initiative to address past injustices.

Additionally, the government revealed plans to establish a Women’s Development Bank aimed at supporting women-led businesses, which is expected to empower women economically. The 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill was also assented to, allowing businesses to operate across multiple shifts, with an anticipated generation of 1,000 new jobs across various sectors.

As Ghana approaches its 70th anniversary of independence in 2027, the celebrations serve not only as a reminder of the past but also as a call to action for future progress. Independence Day is always a moment of reflection for Ghanaians, wherever they are in the world, as noted by Shirley Botchwey, who wished the nation a happy 69th Independence Day.

Ghana’s journey since its independence continues to inspire many, and the events of this year’s celebration underscore the nation’s commitment to building a prosperous future while honoring its rich history.

The post Ghana Independence Day: Celebrating 69 Years of Freedom appeared first on propnews.co.uk.