Historic British pottery firm RESCUED in last minute deal with all jobs saved in huge relief

Former Burberry chief executive Christopher Bailey has led a takeover of historic ceramics manufacturer Burleigh Pottery, securing the future of the Stoke-on-Trent business and protecting 62 jobs.

The Yorkshire-born fashion designer joined a group of investors to acquire the company, which has been producing ceramics since 1851.

Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

The acquisition includes Burleigh’s historic Middleport Pottery site, a Grade II* listed property where the company has operated since 1889.

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All 62 employees will remain with the business under the new ownership structure.

Mr Bailey said: "I have always loved Burleigh Pottery. This company has an extraordinary history, and what makes it so special today is the skill, care and creative spirit that continue to define the business."

The designer joined Burberry as design director in 2001 and played a key role in transforming the British fashion house into a global luxury brand.

He later became both chief executive and chief creative officer in 2014 following Angela Ahrendts’ departure to Apple.

Mr Bailey, whose father worked as a carpenter in Halifax, spent 17 years at Burberry before stepping down in 2018.

Since leaving the fashion industry, he has largely remained out of the public spotlight.

Speaking about Burleigh’s future, Mr Bailey said: "I am deeply committed to protecting and showcasing the craftsmanship and character that makes Burleigh unique, while helping to shape its future as a distinctive and meaningful British design and ceramics house."

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The company is also among a small number of manufacturers worldwide that still uses hand tissue-transfer printing.

Its traditional technique involves printing designs onto delicate tissue paper before transferring them by hand onto ceramic surfaces.

The process has remained central to Burleigh’s manufacturing identity for generations.

Burleigh had been owned by Denby Pottery Holdings since 2010.

However, the ceramics maker’s future was thrown into uncertainty after the wider Denby Group entered administration in March.

The 216-year-old parent company cited rising energy and employment costs as key factors behind its financial collapse.

Reports had previously suggested that Home Bargains owner Tom Morris had explored a possible takeover of the struggling business.

The remainder of the Denby Group remains in administration.

Stoke-on-Trent’s ceramics sector has faced significant challenges in recent years, with major names, including Wedgwood, Royal Doulton and Spode all experiencing financial difficulties, insolvencies or factory closures.

Tony Wright, joint administrator at FRP Advisory, said: "Burleigh is a truly special British brand with an extraordinary heritage and a global reputation for craftsmanship."

Mr Wright added that finding buyers committed to protecting traditional manufacturing skills represented "a positive outcome for employees, customers and the wider Stoke-on-Trent community".

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