BHETA has called for urgent government intervention to support the UK’s ceramic manufacturing sector, warning that escalating energy costs and recent industry developments are placing significant pressure on one of Britain’s most iconic manufacturing industries.
The move follows a series of high-profile challenges across the sector, including recent developments at Denby Pottery Company, alongside earlier closures and restructuring affecting UK ceramic manufacturers during 2025 and into 2026.
BHETA’s General Manager, Steve Richardson explained, “Ceramic tableware manufacturing is uniquely exposed to energy costs due to its reliance on high-temperature kiln firing processes that are both energy-intensive and difficult to reduce or pause.
“Recent global events have further intensified this pressure, with sharp increases in oil and gas prices feeding directly into UK industrial energy costs. For ceramics manufacturers, where energy is a core input rather than a marginal cost, this creates acute financial strain. Without targeted intervention, the UK risks further loss of domestic production capacity, skills, and brands.”
BHETA has written to government calling for ceramic tableware manufacturers to be explicitly included within energy-intensive industry support schemes. The association argues that ceramics should be treated alongside other recognised foundation industries due to:
- High and unavoidable energy usage driven by kiln-based production
- Limited short-term alternatives to gas-dependent processes
- Growing evidence of sector distress, including closures, and restructuring across 2025–2026
- Exposure to global competition, limiting the ability to pass on rising costs
BHETA is also backing calls led by Ceramics UK for a review of current eligibility criteria, which it says exclude many genuinely energy-intensive ceramics businesses. The association’s latest lobbying campaign urges Government to deliver:
- Immediate, targeted energy cost relief
- A fair and transparent eligibility framework for support
- Recognition of ceramics as a strategic UK manufacturing sector
BHETA has also expressed strong support for Denby’s newly launched #SaveDenby campaign, which aims to mobilise industry and consumer backing for the Derbyshire-based manufacturer.
Steve continued, “Denby is an iconic British manufacturer with more than two hundred years of heritage, representing the very best of UK craftsmanship and design. Here at BHETA, we are fully supportive of the #SaveDenby campaign and encourage all our members and the wider industry to get behind it. This is about more than one business – it is about protecting skilled jobs, safeguarding British manufacturing, and ensuring that UK ceramics continues to thrive.”
BHETA is urging stakeholders to support the campaign by:
- Sharing the #SaveDenby message across social media
- Supporting UK ceramics through purchasing decisions
- Engaging with policymakers to highlight the importance of the sector
- Visiting UK manufacturing sites such as Denby’s Derbyshire pottery village
Steve concluded, “The Government has recognised the importance of supporting energy-intensive industries. We now need to ensure that ceramics – particularly tableware and giftware manufacturing – is fully included. Without timely action, we risk losing more than businesses. We risk losing skills, heritage, and a vital part of the UK’s manufacturing base.”
More details of BHETA’s lobbying programme can be found on the BHETA website www.bheta.co.uk.
