An increase in costs has meant that the pottery company has struggled financially.
The firm is Derbyshire-based and was founded in 1809.
It has been saved before with investment firm Hilco Capital rescuing it in 2009.
The Denby Group released a statement on Thursday, explaining that it asked for administrators to be appointed “as a precautionary measure”, the BBC reports.
Denby’s website shares its history: “Still on the same site where the pottery was founded, our rich heritage can be seen in the fabric of the building and the beguiling knowledge that generations of craftspeople have been making pottery here since 1809.
“Nestled next door to the seam of clay which our founder discovered, many traditional hand-crafting techniques have been preserved and are still used in our factory today.”
Denby pottery firm appoints administrators amid financial struggles
The pottery company said it had struggled to find an investor so far.
Further reasons for its appointment include less demand, an increase in employment and energy costs, which have “squeezed the business financially”.
“Tighter financial markets” had an effect on the firm’s ability to secure funding.
Despite the appointment of administrators, Denby, Burgess and Leigh (its subsidiary), and the pottery firm’s international subsidiaries will still trade.
What happens when a company goes into administration?
Denby told Newsquest: “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.
“However, as a precautionary measure, and to provide a period of stability while these options continue to be assessed, the Denby group of companies in the UK has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators.
“This step offers short-term protection to allow the business to explore potential funding and restructuring solutions in an orderly manner.
“Denby and Burgess & Leigh are continuing to trade while all options for the future of the companies are being explored.
Denby has appointed administrators (Image: Denby)
“International subsidiaries such as Denby Korea continue to trade as normal at this time.
“The priorities remain supporting employees, customers, suppliers, and retail partners while working with advisers to determine the best possible outcome for all stakeholders.”
UK businesses that have fallen into administration in 2026
2026 has seen several retailers entering administration and others announcing widespread store closures.
Fashion brand LK Bennett collapsed into administration in January and launched a closing-down sale at its stores.
Its nine stand-alone and 13 concession stores are at risk of closing.
John Noon and Mark Firmin of Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP were appointed joint administrators.
Following this, the LK Bennett brand and related intellectual property were sold to US firm Gordon Brothers, which also owns Laura Ashley and Poundland.
UK high street shops that no longer exist
Alongside this, major high street retailers, including River Island, Primark, and Poundland, have been forced to close stores, while Revolution and BrewDog have shut the doors to 21 and 38 pubs, respectively.
UK construction company Onespace Group, which is based in Knutsford near Manchester and specialises in the creation of commercial office spaces, entered administration recently too.
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UK beauty firm Beauty Bay filed for administration this month but was saved.
A French-owned company called AA Investments Group bought it for an undisclosed amount, saving stores and people’s jobs.
Russell & Bromley, Moores, Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop, Quiz and airline Royal Air Philippines have also fallen into administration recently.
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