'Supercharger' call for threatened ceramics firm

More than 40,000 people have signed a petition calling for an under-threat ceramics firm in Derbyshire to be included in a government financial support scheme.

Denby Pottery - established in 1809 - appointed administrators on 31 March after it said it had struggled with rising energy and labour costs.

Former worker Hayley Baddiley has called for the ceramics industry to be included in the British Industry Supercharger scheme - which provides relief from electricity costs for firms in sectors like steel and chemicals.

Baddiley told the BBC: "This petition basically calls on the government for a level playing field - we have some of the most expensive industry costs in the world."

The petition reached 40,000 signatures within four days, with a further 60,000 required for a debate to be held in Parliament.

Baddiley said the ceramics firms were "foundation industries" employing more than 20,000 people across the UK and are worth £2bn to the economy.

She accepted it could be "too late" to save Denby Pottery but believes the move would protect other firms from going under.

"We were so taken by the amount of people showing their support, people wanted to get involved to be part of the process in trying to help," she said.

"The petition aims to create a wider debate about the ceramics industry and to create a means by which some of the challenges being faced could be heard.

"We want the ceramics industry to be included in the scheme - at the moment it's excluded."

Baddiley, who worked as a marketing director before being made redundant, said the final few months working at Denby Pottery were "incredibly tough" and there was "always hope" a new investor would come in.

"Personally, it's been a real challenge. I've been there for 12 years and you come to love the brand, the business and the incredible people," she said.

"But right now, it's all about the petition and doing all I can to try and help."

The BBC understands more than 80 people have been made redundant from a variety of roles while administrators continue to try to find a buyer.

Amber Valley MP Linsey Farnsworth who is backing the petition, said the support was seen as a "key factor" in attracting a new strategic investor for Denby Pottery.

"The fact that 40,000 people have backed this petition so quickly is a powerful message that I am taking directly to my colleagues in government," she said.

"It shows just how much our community and the wider country value Denby's heritage and the hundreds of local jobs it provides.

"I've seen the incredible craftsmanship of employees on the factory floor firsthand and worked with the business since being elected to provide support.

"I am determined now more than ever to make the conditions for a new investor as favourable as possible."

A government spokesperson said: "We know this is a difficult time for historic industries like potteries and ceramics which have always been a point of pride in this country.

"We regularly meet with Ceramics UK and trade unions to discuss support for the sector, and continue to work hard to help protect businesses from the worst economic challenges."

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