Traditional crockery business Denby has been put up for sale after a big year-on-year increase in sales, just five years after it was on the brink of collapse.

Increased demand in export markets pushed turnover to £44 million, up 10 per cent on 2012, the business said. Denby Group owns several pottery brands including Denby, Burleigh and Poole.

The business was bought by Hilco Capital in 2009 in a buy-out followed by an aggressive cost-cutting programme.

Hilco chief executive Paul McGowan said: "Following a strong performance in 2013, particularly in key export markets, we have received a number of unsolicited approaches from trade buyers seeking to purchase the business.

"As a result of this interest, we have thought it appropriate to appoint advisors to run a formal sale process," he added.