Client Story: Duchess China

About Duchess China

Founded in 1888, Duchess China is one of the UK’s most historic fine bone china manufacturers, based in Stoke-on-Trent, the heart of the world’s ceramic industry. With more than 138 years of experience, the business is recognised globally for the quality, craftsmanship and heritage behind every piece it produces. 

As the last remaining historic fine bone china producer in the UK, Duchess China combines traditional designs with modern capabilities. Manufacturing is fully controlled in house, using sustainable materials and processes, with generations of skilled craftsmanship behind every stage. Duchess China has clients across the UK and internationally, with production volumes reaching over 20,000 pieces each week.

Challenge

Producing fine bone china at scale requires significant investment in materials, people and time. With up to 25 pairs of hands involved in a single product and long production cycles, managing cashflow is critical to keeping operations running smoothly. 

Duchess China needed the flexibility to support a wide and growing product range, respond to bespoke client requirements and maintain high stock levels without compromising quality or heritage-led processes. 

Solution

To support its operations and provide greater cashflow consistency, Duchess China partnered with Bibby Financial Services (BFS). Invoice finance enabled the business to unlock funds tied up in unpaid invoices, helping to bridge the gap between production costs and customer payments. The facility was structured to flex in line with sales, ensuring funding grows as the business does while supporting both core production and bespoke work. 

Julie Hughes, Relationship Manager at Bibby Financial Services, said:

“Duchess China is a unique business with an incredible heritage and a clear commitment to quality. Our role was to provide a funding solution that works alongside their manufacturing process, giving them stability, flexibility and confidence to plan ahead.”

Working with Bibby Financial Services

BFS works closely with Duchess China to understand the realities of its manufacturing model and the pressures that come with large order volumes and bespoke commissions. Regular communication and a relationship-led approach mean funding remains aligned to the business’s needs. 

“The relationship we have with BFS is great. They're always at hand to support us and having access to cashflow from BFS makes us much more efficient as a business.”  

Impact

With improved cashflow visibility and ongoing support from BFS, Duchess China has been able to focus on what it does best: producing British-made fine bone china of exceptional quality. The business continues to serve prestigious clients across hospitality, retail and heritage sectors, while honouring the ‘Made in Staffordshire’ mark as a seal of authenticity. 

By combining heritage craftsmanship with modern financial support, Duchess China is well placed to continue its legacy for generations to come. 

Julie Hughes added: 

“For businesses like Duchess China, finance should quietly enable progress, not slow it down. By really understanding how they operate, we can support them in a way that feels joined up and practical.”

(Left to right) Julie Hughes, Relationship Manager, Bibby Financial Services; Klaudia Szczebelska, Relationship Executive, Bibby Financial Services; Andrew Tooth, Director, Duchess China.