There is sad news for the UK ceramics industry as Wade Ceramics announces that the company has ceased to trade and is in administration.
Founded in 1867 and based in Stoke-on-Trent’s famous pottery region, the demise of Wade following a £500,000 annual energy bill rise, leaves at least 130 staff redundant.
In August, Wade managing director, Paul Farmer, said that the rise in energy costs was making business “very, very difficult”, saying: “We focus on the little things and try to get people to switch everything off, but it is such a small drop in the ocean when it comes to the level of usage the industry has. It is huge and we have had no help from the government at all.”
The massively rising cost of energy, which is hitting businesses large and small around the UK, compounded problems for Wade that were caused by the loss of a major customer at the start of 2022.
A spokesman for joint administrators BDO LLP Business Restructuring Partners Kerry Bailey and James Stephen, who were appointed on November 28, said: “Due to the loss of a major customer at the start of the year, as well as current economic challenges including rising energy and supply costs, the directors concluded the business was no longer viable in its current form and regrettably the company has ceased to trade.”
Wade Ceramics has produced functional and decorative ceramic homewares for more than 100 years, with brands such as the legendary Wade Whimsies, Cadbury, Boots and the Mr Men and Little Miss among its range. Its Gluggle Jug, shaped like an open-mouth fish, is a favourite in homes around the country.
