Emma Bridgewater, a pottery brand founded by its namesake designer, has cut jobs as it sank further into financial difficulties in its most recent fiscal year.
The Stoke-on-Trent-based business, supported by BGF, reported a pre-tax loss of £4.4m for the 12 months ending April 27, 2024, as reported by .
This follows a pre-tax loss of £1.3m in the previous 12 months. According to newly filed accounts with Companies House, Emma Bridgewater reduced its workforce from 469 to 409 during the year, while its turnover decreased from £37.7m to £31.5m.
The last time the company reported a pre-tax profit was £1.1m in the 12 months ending April 2022, with sales at £33m.
Emma Bridgewater attributed the 16% decline in turnover primarily to reduced sales in e-commerce and wholesale channels, partially offset by growth in physical retail stores.
The company stated: "In response to these trading conditions, the company implemented operational restructuring including workforce optimisation and reduced production schedules to better align with demand patterns."
"The directors have implemented comprehensive measures to strengthen performance and position the business for future sustainable, profitable growth."
"Current performance for the first eight months of FY25 is aligned with management expectations and represents a significant improvement on FY24."
BGF has bolstered the company's financial position with an additional investment of £2.2m in May 2024, following its initial support in 2020 with an £8m cash injection.
Emma Bridgewater, who established her eponymous business in 1985, stands as one of the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's largest pottery manufacturers.
