Denby Pottery Files for Administration, Seeking Partner

0:00On March 12, Denby, the 217-year-old pottery maker from Derby Shire has filed to appoint administrators after years of tough financial pressures. Founded back in 1809, the company was rescued by investment firm Hillcoe Capital in 2009. Now, it's hit hard by falling demand, skyrocketing energy and labor costs, and tight credit markets blocking a key investment deal. Earlier this week, the firm called this step a short-term shield to keep hunting for the right partner, either for the whole group or its brands, alone. Workers and leaders are on edge, with Union reps calling it a rough patch for the iconic British ceramics crew, and pushing for government help on, energy bills. Local MP Lindsay Farnsworth jumped in fast, linking the company straight to business officials to chase every option. For now, Denby and its sister operations keep trading normally as talks roll on, holding out hope for a turnaround that saves this story name.