The pottery manufacturer is believed to be on the brink of collapse – and a buyer must be sought or it will face administration
Denby issued a statement on Thursday evening (March 12)(Image: Derby Telegraph)
People say they are devastated after Denby Pottery, a name synonymous with rural Derbyshire, confirmed that it had filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators.
The brand, which has been making pottery in Denby village – between Belper and Ripley – since 1809, employs 500 people and attracts hundreds of visitors each day to its pottery village near Denby itself.
The village includes a large car park leading to a courtyard, where a number of businesses trade year-round.
This includes a restaurant and cafe, an aquatics centre, a farm shop and a factory shop – with the latter offering discounts on the high-quality wares from the big factory next door.
The announcement has left many pondering what it means for the pottery village and the line of businesses at the premises.
Latimer Higham expanded his well-known Greedy Pig Butchers from Park Farm Shopping Centre in Allestree back in 2022, before the Allestree shop closed in 2024.
While he cannot comment on Denby itself and what it will mean for the shopping village, Mr Higham says he is still tied to his 18-month lease at the site – and that Denby, or the administrators, are expected to uphold it.
“I can’t speak on Denby, but all I can say is that from my point of view, I have an 18-month lease here, so somebody is duty-bound to uphold my lease,” he said.
“I don’t know what’s going on until one, they find new buyers for it, or two, I speak to the administrators.
“In regard to my business, it carries on as normal.”
Crowds of shoppers continued to flow in and out of the pottery village throughout Friday morning, many of whom were upset by Thursday’s announcement.
Paul and Lizzy Wright, who live in Ripley and visit the pottery village a few times a month, said they were shocked to hear the news.
“We woke up this morning and couldn’t believe it, we were both in shock – it was almost like hearing a celebrity had died,” said Lizzy.
“I’ve owned Denby products my whole life. We’ve had loads of sets over the years, although I don’t think many have survived the decades,” she chuckled.
Paul added: “This part of Derbyshire rarely has anything to shout about, but Denby is something unique, something that puts us on the world stage, really.
“I’m sure they’ll survive and be back better than ever when it’s all sorted. If things do take a turn for the worse, I’d hope the right people would step in.
“Denby should be protected; its history and reputation are second to none. I think we’ll be visiting more and more over the next few months, both to support it and make the most of it.”
Gavin Worsley, also from Ripley, said: “I’ve been coming here for years, I bring my laptop and do some work in the week, it’s just such a nice place to come, especially when the weather is sunny like it is today.
“The pottery village is awesome, I feel like you can bring anyone here and they’ll enjoy it.
“It just doesn’t seem real to me that they’re struggling, you’d always think that Denby is an everlasting name – almost untouchable – and I hope that will continue to be the case.
“Someone needs to put it back on the right path, there’s no Derbyshire without Denby in my opinion – a part of the county would die, but I don’t think it will come to that at all.”
Lynn Marples, who lives in Kilburn, says she visits the pottery village “nearly every day” – often in search of bargains.
“I can’t drive past without popping in,” she said. “There are quite a few of us who will pop in to see if there are any deals on.
“A lot of the time, they don’t take much off, but sometimes you can get some really good prices on things.
“People like me love Denby, their pottery is stunning and always stands the test of time.
“I think I have a few bits which are 40 years old. I got them just before my son was born.
“It’s not just plates and crockery, it’s memories for some people. For me, it’s somewhere for me to go and find good deals, and I also get coffee and cake from the cafe a lot.
“If no one stepped in and saved them, it would be a disaster, a tragedy. I’m tired of seeing all these traditions being lost. It’s essential that Denby stays right here where it belongs, where it can continue to thrive.”
Another local, Tracey Longford, who lives in Denby Bottles, added: “It’s really sad, I think it’ll have a lot of people really upset, to be honest.
“That’s why I’ve come today, really. I just wanted to see if there was anything going on or any deals; it just felt right to come and visit.
“Ultimately, it’s the staff who I feel for. It’s such a key asset for us all. I think even children would recognise a Denby plate and a logo, it stretches back so many generations.”
In its announcement this week, a spokesperson for Denby Group said: “While Denby has explored a range of options, it has not yet been able to secure a strategic investment partner aligned with the long-term vision and values of its historic British brands, much loved by their large global fan base.
“The search for a suitable partner will continue, whether for the Denby Group as a whole or for the brands individually.
“As a precautionary measure, and to provide a period of stability while these options continue to be assessed, the Denby group of companies in the UK has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators.
“This step offers short-term protection to allow the business to explore potential funding and restructuring solutions in an orderly manner.”
The GMB union, which represents workers at Denby Pottery Group, also commented on the announcement, labelling it a “worrying time” for workers.
Craig Thomson, GMB Organiser, said: “Denby pottery is a British icon, producing some of the world’s finest ceramics.
“This is a worrying time for workers across Denby. We are working closely with our members and reps on site. Britain’s ceramics industry is the envy of the world.
“We must now see urgent government action on energy prices to support the sector through this time of turbulence.”
Derbyshire Live has also contacted Amber Valley Borough Council for comment.
