A fast-growing online petition calling for urgent government support for the UK ceramics sector has gathered pace, attracting around 65,000 signatures within weeks of its launch.
The petition — Support the Ceramics Industry and protect British manufacturing jobs and skills — urges policymakers to extend the UK’s “Supercharger” energy relief scheme, currently available to sectors such as steel and chemicals, to ceramics manufacturers, warning that soaring energy costs are putting the sector at risk of further collapse.
Campaigners argue that without intervention, more heritage manufacturers could follow the fate of Denby Pottery, which recently entered administration after more than two centuries of operation.
Historic manufacturer ceases production
Founded in 1809, Denby had long been regarded as one of Britain’s most recognisable ceramics brands. However, administrators from FRP Advisory confirmed that manufacturing at the site will now cease after efforts to secure a buyer for the operation proved unsuccessful.
The closure has resulted in further redundancies, with dozens of workers losing their jobs in addition to earlier layoffs this month. Administrators said the decision to shut down the company’s making and design departments had been unavoidable following sustained financial pressures.
Rising energy and labour costs were cited as key factors behind the company’s collapse, with former CEO Sebastian Lazell previously warning that the business had been operating at a loss.
Industry pressure builds
The unfolding situation at Denby has become a rallying point for wider concerns across the ceramics sector, where energy-intensive production processes leave manufacturers particularly exposed to volatile electricity prices.
The petition explicitly references Denby’s administration as evidence of the urgent need for support, arguing that extending energy relief measures could help stabilise businesses and protect skilled jobs.
Trade union representatives have also voiced strong criticism of the outcome. Craig Thomson, local organiser for the GMB, described the loss as avoidable and warned of the long-term impact on skills.
“Denby pottery is a British icon, producing some of the world’s finest ceramics. It is shameful, totally avoidable, that administrators are stripping this company of its most important asset, its highly skilled potters.”
– Craig Thomson, local organiser for the GMB.
Administrators said they are continuing to explore options for other parts of the business while supporting affected employees through redundancy processes.
Calls for urgent intervention
The government’s Supercharger scheme was designed to shield energy-intensive industries from high electricity costs, but ceramics manufacturers have so far been excluded. Industry figures argue this omission risks undermining the competitiveness and survival of UK-based producers.
With tens of thousands now backing the petition, pressure is mounting on ministers to reconsider the scope of the scheme. For campaigners, the message is clear: without swift action, Denby may not be the last historic manufacturer forced to close its doors.
At the time of writing, a message on the Denby Pottery website states: “We are still accepting and fulfilling online orders as usual and we would like to reassure you that payment will not be taken until the point of dispatch. Please note we are currently experiencing unprecedented levels of orders and our current delivery lead time is around 10–15 working days.”
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