Historic pottery manufacturer launches campaign to save the business

Bosses at historic Derbyshire pottery manufacturer Denby have launched a campaign to save the company.

Earlier this month, the 217-year-old business filed a notice of intent to appoint administrators citing soaring costs combined with low consumer confidence.

Since then, the iconic manufacturer, which employs 500 people at its Derbyshire site, has been engaging with employees, customers, suppliers and retail partners, as well as with government locally, regionally and nationally, along with advisers and potential investors.

The firm said that since the news broke, it had witnessed an “incredibly moving” outpouring of public support, with many keen to understand what can be done to save the business, jobs and skills.

It has now launched the #SaveDenby campaign, which outlines how the public can support the business as it searches for new investment partners to take the business forward.

In a statement, the company said: “Denby encourages as many people as possible to get behind this campaign helping the company’s priorities of supporting employees, customers, suppliers, and retail partners at this difficult time while working with advisers to determine the best possible outcome for all.”

The #SaveDenby campaign is made up of four elements, which includes raising awareness of the financial challenges, lobbying government, encouraging more purchases, and encouraging more visits to the pottery village.

It firstly asks its supporters to share the news of Denby’s challenges and the impact this will have on those affected with friends, families and networks to increase the support base and mobilise the #SaveDenby campaign.

Secondly, it suggests people sign a government petition “To Save Denby Pottery and Protect British Manufacturing Jobs and Skills” and contact their MP to ensure the Government and Parliament are aware of the impact that Denby’s collapse would have.

Thirdly, supporters are encouraged to shop for Denby on its website, in Denby’s stores or though the network of Denby stockists nationwide as continued strong sales help cash flow and demonstrate to potential new investors the value in the business.

Finally, fans of the brand are invited to visit the award-winning Denby Pottery Village in Derbyshire boosting the local economy and showing support to colleagues at the site.

The firm added: “Save Denby is an important campaign to mobilise support and provide suggestions for the ways in which people can help.

“Denby hopes that by raising awareness and harnessing the strong supportive sentiment, it may be able to extend its trading horizons to secure the best outcome for creditors and ultimately secure interest from new investors to save the business.

“We thank everyone for their concern, patience and co-operation at a difficult time.”

To find out more about the #SaveDenby campaign click here.