With Denby’s brand profile rising in the UK and overseas, the pottery is looking for new investors to build on recent growth. Denby was featured on BBC’s Inside the Factory programme, resulting in heightened demand and interest in the UK made tableware and homewares. An article in The Times newspaper yesterday (July 25), highlighted Denby’s susbstantial growth in South Korea, claiming that the Korean blockbuster tv show Squid Game has given Denby ‘cult status’ there.
Clarifying The Times’ claim that Denby Pottery is ‘on sale for £50m’, Sebastian Lazell, Denby’s group ceoexplains: “Hilco Capital, who invested in the Denby business in 2009 securing jobs and manufacturing operations in the UK, are delighted at the sustained progress of its investment and is keen to ensure that the positive trajectory continues. Denby Pottery, our investors and advisors are, therefore, reviewing options for the future ownership of the Denby Group, potentially involving the support of investors better suited to the increasingly international needs of the business in the years ahead.”
He emphasises: “No decisions have been taken at this time and any potential future decision will be taken with the interests of the company’s stakeholders always in mind. So, it very much remains business as usual at Denby Pottery with every effort focused on meeting and supplying the needs of its many consumers and customers around the world.”
In its article, The Times elaborates on Denby’s growth in South Korea. The pottery has extended its range of bowls to include ‘nesting pots, straight sided rice and deep ramen noodle bowls, small round dishes as well as soju cups in which to serve Korean alchohol.’ Denby’s Halo tea/coffee cup featured in an episode of the global lockdown hit Squid Game.
Boosting 200 years of Derbyshire-based manufacturing, Denby recently added a new porcelain manufacturing capability, running alongside its long-standing stoneware operations.
Top: Unloading a kiln by hand at Denby Pottery.
