Pottery eyes UK and international growth after £10m funding boost

Denby Pottery is planning to grow its UK and overseas sales following a £10 million funding boost.

The Derbyshire manufacturer, which has been crafting pottery for more than 200 years, has secured the combined facility from Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance.

It will use the facility to support the day-to-day cash requirements of its manufacturing base at Denby, and to drive multi-channel sales growth domestically and internationally.

The business employs more than 700 people in the UK and operates in the domestic market through wholesale partners, an e-commerce platform and selected premium designer outlets, including its flagship Denby Pottery Village store.

Sebastian Lazell, chief executive at Denby Pottery, said: “The backing from Secure Trust Bank is supporting our progress from a long-established heritage business to an increasingly premium, modern, international brand.”

According to Mr Lazell, the firm is strengthening its UK operations – with all of its stoneware ceramics made at its Derbyshire factory.

He said: “While one element of our journey has been about expanding abroad, a large focus has also been placed on reinvigorating our UK core, with all of our stoneware ceramics made right here in Derbyshire.

“As part of this, we were looking to partner with an engaged, like-minded British bank.

“We found Secure Trust Bank to be supportive, keen to collaborate and the ideal fit to help the continued success of this made in England brand.”

Debbie Partridge, regional sales director at Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance, said: “Denby Pottery is a quintessentially British brand that is committed to delivering high-value products and has done so for more than two centuries.

“We were pleased to support its continued growth journey, both at home and abroad, as well as provide the security it needs for day-to-day operations through a straightforward and flexible facility.

“As part of this process we have built a strong relationship with the Denby Pottery management team.”