A historic Derbyshire pottery firm has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators. Denby Pottery Company said it's been struggling with rising costs for years and has so far been unable to secure a suitable investment partner. The 217-year-old company was previously bought by investment firm Hilco Capital in 2009, saving it from going under.

It has now filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators "as a precautionary measure" amid reduced demand, "escalating employment costs", and "soaring" energy bills. Denby said these pressures had "squeezed the business financially" and it struggled to get funding due to "tighter financial markets".

It 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."

The notice of intention gives "short-term protection to allow the business to explore potential funding and restructuring solutions in an orderly manner" while it looks for a suitable partner, the statement added.

Denby, which employs over 500 people, is now protected from creditor legal actions for 10 days while it arranges for an administrator to be appointed to rescue the business or sell its assets.

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However, the company confirmed that it and its subsidiaries will continue to trade.

Denby reported a 17% reduction in turnover in its most recent financial accounts for 2024, citing a "difficult trading year globally".

GMB union organiser Craig Thomson called it a "worrying time" for Denby employees. He 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."