No redundancies are currently planned at historic pottery firm Burgess & Leigh, administrators have confirmed.
The Stoke-on-Trent business went into administration with parent company Denby Pottery on 31 March.
Derbyshire-based Denby had been hoping to secure strategic investment partners after being impacted by ‘challenging market conditions’ in the last three years, notably soaring costs and low consumer confidence.
According to the GMB Union, the appointment of administrators put 500 Denby jobs at risk, and a further 49 people were made redundant at the end of last week when it was announced Denby’s manufacturing is to cease.
Burgess & Leigh produces the iconic Burleigh ware out of Middleport Pottery, and Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s leader councillor Jane Ashworth has previously said that she believes Burgess & Leigh is a viable business and ‘has a full order book.’
A spokesperson for administrators at FRP Advisory has told Daily Focus: “There are no redundancies planned at Burgess & Leigh at this time.”
Regarding the Denby redundancies, joint Denby Group administrator and FRP partner Tony Wright said: “This is another very difficult day for the skilled workers at Denby and we understand how devastating this news will be for those affected and their families.
“Unfortunately, despite extensive efforts, we have been unable to find a buyer for the manufacturing operations and have had to take this difficult decision.
“We remain in discussions with interested parties regarding other parts of the business and continue to do everything we can to support affected employees through this process.”
Administrators say discussions remain ongoing regarding certain other parts of the group.
GMB Union has described Denby’s job losses as ‘shameful and totally unavoidable’.
Craig Thomson, GMB Organiser, said: “Denby is a British icon, producing some of the world’s finest ceramics.
“It is shameful and totally avoidable that administrators are stripping this company of its most important asset, its highly skilled potters.
“We will resist and fight for workers for their voice to be heard.”
- Last week, Daily Focus reported that trade body Ceramics UK said the industry has been ‘ignored where it matters most’ after missing out on more support relating to energy costs. Denby Pottery has launched a petition calling for support for the ceramics industry, which has now attracted more than 55,000 signatures. If it hits 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for a debate in Parliament. To sign it, follow this link.
