A call for government support has been made as a historic pottery company faces an uncertain future.
Denby Pottery announced plans to call in administrators last week, saying it has been impacted by “challenging market conditions” in the last three years.
The Derbyshire-based brand acquired Burgess & Leigh Pottery, which produces Burleigh ware out of Middleport Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s leader councillor Jane Ashworth has said she believes Burgess & Leigh is a viable business, but wants the government to act on tackling energy costs which impact the ceramics sector.
Daily Focus reported on Thursday that Prime Minister Kier Starmer has pledged to review support for energy-intensive industries after the issue was raised in the House of Commons by Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove MP David Williams.
He has met with Burgess & Leigh, known as Burleigh, management and the city council leader, and been in contact with the relevant government minister since Denby’s announcement.
The MP said: “Burleigh is renowned around the world for its incredible pottery, and the 62 people working there hold nearly 700 years of skill and craftsmanship between them. That’s not just jobs – that’s generations of knowledge and pride in our city.”
He added: “Burleigh has a future, it is part of our Stoke-on-Trent’s identity, and I’m determined it will be here for generations to come.”
Councillor Ashworth said: “We believe that Burleigh Pottery – the Stoke-on-Trent business owned by Denby – is viable and has a full order book.
“The management has detailed plans ready to invest to transform the business performance in the next 12 months in response to this growing order book.
“We will do all we can to assist the firm in lobbying the government to provide necessary support.
“This is a difficult time for the ceramics industry. While we welcome the renewed pledge from the Prime Minister to look at support for the ceramics industry, in response to Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove MP David Williams’ question, now it is time for the government to act rapidly and drive investment on energy costs to support sustainable businesses like Burleigh.
“This will not only respect our industrial heritage but provide investment in our future.”
Burgess & Leigh started out in Burslem, in Stoke-on-Trent, in 1851 and moved to Middleport Pottery in 1889, later becoming known as Burleigh.
The company, which is continuing to trade, makes all its ware in Stoke-on-Trent and is known for high-quality, traditionally-decorated earthenware tableware.
It was acquired by Denby Holdings Ltd, the parent company of Denby Pottery in 2010.
Daily Focus has contacted Denby Pottery for comment.
