Denby, the historic British pottery manufacturer that has produced stoneware in Derbyshire for more than two centuries, has filed notice to appoint administrators placing around 500 jobs at risk.
The company confirmed the move on Wednesday as it continues efforts to secure financial backing to stabilise the business.
Denby was founded in Derby in 1809 and has maintained continuous manufacturing operations in Derbyshire since the early nineteenth century.
Chief executive Sebastian Lazell has been leading attempts to attract new investment that could secure the firm’s long-term future.
However, the company has not yet secured a financial backer capable of supporting its operations.
Most of Denby’s workforce remains based at its large manufacturing facility in Derbyshire where production has continued uninterrupted for more than 200 years.
The clay used to produce the company’s stoneware products is still sourced from the same seam discovered at the site more than two centuries ago.
In its most recent financial accounts Denby said it had experienced “another challenging year” as consumer confidence remained subdued and inflationary pressures continued to affect trading conditions.
The company said it had taken steps to reduce costs and scale back investment during the period.
Despite these measures its financial losses widened significantly
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Denby reported that post-tax losses increased from £3.1million to £5.56million in the twelve months to December 2024.
The worsening financial position led the business to file notice to appoint administrators as a precautionary step while it continues efforts to find new investment.
Denby’s situation reflects wider challenges facing parts of the UK manufacturing sector.
Manufacturers producing household goods have faced particular pressure as higher living costs have reduced discretionary spending among consumers.
The company said it has been actively seeking potential investors in recent months.
However, it has so far been unable to secure the financial support required to stabilise the business.
Production has ran for over 200 years in Derbyshire
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Denby
Denby’s history spans more than two centuries and includes production during some of Britain’s most significant historical periods.
During the Second World War the company produced utilitarian brownware items for the war effort including Naafi teapots, rum bottles and battery jars.
In the decades following the war Denby became known for its role in developing oven-to-tableware products.
The approach gained popularity during the 1950s and helped establish the brand as a presence in many British households.
Ownership of the company has changed several times in recent decades.
Furniture group Coloroll acquired Denby in 1987 before the company later listed on the stock market and subsequently underwent a management buyout.
Turnaround specialist Hilco Capital took control of the business in 2009.
More recently the brand has sought to expand its presence in overseas markets including Asia.
The company established an office in Seoul’s Gangnam district as part of efforts to grow international sales.
Denby products have also appeared in several television programmes and films.
The brand gained wider international exposure when its tableware appeared in the Netflix series Squid Game.
Its products have also been seen in British television programmes including the Great British Bake-Off and EastEnders.
Marketing director Hayley Baddiley previously described how the durability of the company’s ceramics created challenges during filming of the ITV programme Emmerdale.
Despite those efforts the company has continued to face financial pressure in recent years
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Denby
Ms Baddiley said: “It was part of a big, dramatic scene where characters were having a row, and one of our mugs was to be thrown, crashing to the floor, but they had to do it seven times because they couldn’t get it to break.”
During the 2010s Denby attempted to revitalise the brand through a renewed focus on sustainability and the revival of mid-century design styles.
The group said it remains focused on finding a buyer for the business.
Potential options include the sale of the entire company or the sale of individual brands within the group.
Denby said supporting its employees, customers and suppliers remains a priority as it continues to seek a solution for the future of the business.