BHETA has called for urgent Government intervention to support the UK ceramics industry, warning that escalating energy costs and recent sector developments are placing significant pressure on one of Britain’s most important manufacturing categories.
Steve Richardson, General Manager of the association has written to Government urging immediate action to ensure ceramic tableware manufacturers are fully recognised within energy-intensive industry support schemes, alongside a broader review of eligibility criteria to reflect the realities of modern manufacturing.
Read BHETA's letter to Government
Mounting pressure across the sector
The UK ceramics industry has faced a series of challenges over the past 18 months, with rising energy costs, global competition and wider economic pressures combining to create a highly difficult trading environment.
Recent developments have brought these issues into sharper focus, including the situation at Denby Pottery Company, which has highlighted the ongoing pressures facing even well-established and respected British manufacturers.
These challenges follow a number of closures and restructuring across the sector during 2025 and into 2026, underlining the structural nature of the issue rather than isolated business difficulties.
Energy costs at the heart of the issue
BHETA emphasises that ceramic tableware manufacturing is uniquely exposed to energy price volatility.
The production process relies on high-temperature kiln firing, often running continuously, making energy a core and unavoidable input cost. Unlike many other manufacturing sectors, production cannot easily be paused or scaled back without affecting product quality and viability.
Recent global developments have further intensified this pressure, with increases in oil and gas prices feeding directly into UK industrial energy costs. For ceramics manufacturers, this has compounded an already challenging cost environment.
Support for Denby and the #SaveDenby campaign
BHETA has expressed strong support for Denby’s recently launched #SaveDenby campaign, which aims to mobilise industry and consumer backing at a critical time for the business.
Steve Richardson, BHETA General Manager: “Denby is a much-loved British brand with over 200 years of heritage, and we fully support the #SaveDenby campaign.
This is about more than one company – it reflects the wider challenges facing UK ceramics and the need to protect skilled craftsmanship, jobs and domestic manufacturing capability.”
BHETA is encouraging members and the wider industry to support the campaign by sharing its message, engaging with policymakers and supporting UK-made ceramics.
Aligning with wider industry calls
BHETA is also backing ongoing efforts led by Ceramics UK, which has been actively campaigning for greater recognition and support for the sector.
Ceramics UK has highlighted that many ceramics manufacturers do not currently qualify for existing energy support schemes due to restrictive eligibility criteria, despite facing significant energy cost exposure.
A clear ask to Government
In its letter to Government, BHETA has set out a number of key recommendations, including:
- Explicit inclusion of ceramic tableware manufacturers within energy-intensive industry support schemes
- A review of eligibility criteria to ensure genuinely energy-intensive businesses are not excluded
- Recognition of ceramics as a strategic UK manufacturing sector alongside other foundation industries
- Closer engagement between Government, industry bodies and affected businesses
BHETA believes that a more targeted and transparent approach to energy support is essential to ensure fairness across sectors while directing support to those most in need.
Protecting UK manufacturing capability
BHETA warns that without timely intervention, the UK risks further erosion of its ceramics manufacturing base, with potential long-term consequences for employment, skills and supply chains.
Steve Richardson added: “The UK has a proud ceramics heritage and a strong reputation for quality and design. However, without action to address the current cost pressures, there is a real risk that more manufacturing capacity could be lost.
We are committed to working with Government and industry partners to help secure a sustainable future for the sector.”
Further information
BHETA members seeking more information or wishing to support ongoing industry efforts are encouraged to contact the association directly.
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