Darwen Terracotta transitions to Employee Ownership, securing the future of British craftsmanship

Darwen Terracotta has become an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey and reaffirming its commitment to people, heritage, and long-term sustainability.

The move comes as the business celebrated a decade of continuous growth in 2025, following its remarkable rebirth from the closure of a long-established ceramic manufacturer whose architectural division ceased trading in 2015.

That closure resulted in the redundancy of over 40 skilled craftspeople, putting centuries-old British ceramic expertise at risk.

Determined to protect these rare skills and safeguard the legacy of architectural ceramics in the UK, former colleagues Jon Wilson and Steve Allen - both personally impacted by the company’s closure- stepped in.

Driven by a deep passion for the craft and a strong sense of responsibility towards their colleagues and friends, they rebuilt the business from the ground up, rehiring many of those affected and establishing Darwen Terracotta as a new force in the industry.

Over the past 10 years, Darwen Terracotta has grown into the UK’s largest manufacturer of architectural terracotta, the only British-owned company producing both architectural terracotta and fireclay sinks, and the third-largest global leader in terracotta restoration.

The company continues to support major restoration and new-build projects, supplying high-quality architectural ceramics worldwide.

Using the same premium locally sourced clay, the business expanded into manufacturing luxury fireclay sinks trading as Whitebirk Sink Company, backed by a lifetime warranty and trusted by customers nationally and internationally.

Today, with the transition to employee ownership, the founders have once again placed people at the heart of the business.

Through the EOT structure, ownership passes to employees, ensuring that those who have contributed to the company’s success will share in its future.

 Darwen Terracotta was named Red Rose Awards 2025 winners of the 'Export' and 'Made in Lancashire' categories. 

Jon Wilson, co-founder and director of Darwen Terracotta, said: “From the very beginning, this business has been about people.

"We founded Darwen Terracotta to protect skills, livelihoods, and a craft that matters.

"Choosing employee ownership feels like the natural next step. It ensures that the passion, pride, and commitment that built this company will continue to drive it forward for generations to come.”

Steve Allen, co-founder and director of Darwen Terracotta, added: “Transitioning the business to employee ownership was a decision driven by people and legacy.

"We wanted to ensure the business remained independent, that our employees were recognised for the role they have played in building it, and that the company was set up for long-term continuity. Logros supported us throughout the process and helped deliver an outcome that feels right for the business and everyone involved.” 

The creation of the EOT was made possible through months of preparation and close collaboration with professional partners. The transaction was advised by Logros Advisory Partners, acting as lead corporate finance advisors to the shareholders.

Brian Higgins, managing partner at Logros Advisory Partners, said: “Employee ownership can be an excellent solution for founders seeking to realise their investment in a business while still protecting the culture, people, and long-term future of the company.

"This transaction was about creating continuity, rewarding employees, and delivering a structured and considered ownership transition.”

Legal advice was provided by Forbes Solicitors.

David Filmer of Forbes Solicitors said: “This is a well-structured Employee Ownership Trust transaction that balances the objectives of the shareholders with the long-term interests of the business and its employees. We were delighted to have assisted in the process.”

Funding support was provided by HSBC. Jenny Taylor of HSBC added: “Supporting an EOT requires a clear understanding of the business and its future plans. Early engagement allowed the funding structure to be aligned with long-term sustainability, ensuring continuity for the business and its employees.”

The transition to employee ownership marks a powerful statement of confidence in Darwen Terracotta’s workforce and future. From its roots in late-19th-century craftsmanship, through its rebirth in 2015, to its global reputation today, the company’s story has always been defined by resilience, skill, and people.

With ownership now placed in the hands of its employees, Darwen Terracotta and Whitebirk Sink Company look ahead to the next decade with renewed purpose: preserving British ceramic heritage, embracing innovation, and building a sustainable future for generations to come.