Drawing on decades of expertise, Steve Allen and Jon Wilson took a calculated risk after redundancy, securing over £1.2 million in investment and personally backing their new venture to launch Whitebirk Sink Company.

Fast forward to today, and Whitebirk is the last fireclay sink maker still manufacturing in the region. Allen speaks to kbbreview about why that matters, how the business is growing, and why independent retailers should be paying attention.

How has business been over the last 12 months?

The past year has been one of exciting growth for Whitebirk Sink Company. We expanded our product range with the Kréte concrete basin collection and in September will introduce Wycoller, our first fireclay workstation sink designed for added functionality with a custom-fit chopping board and grid, while maintaining our hallmark elegance and quality.

We also opened a new warehouse and factory trade showroom, allowing us to better serve both domestic and international customers as global demand continues to grow.

Despite challenges like rising energy costs and tariffs, our focus on British-made quality, artisanal skill, and reliable delivery continues to strengthen our market position.

What drove you to start from scratch and take a huge leap of faith when founding Whitebirk after redundancy?

With over 30 years in the fireclay industry, I felt a deep responsibility to preserve specialist skills passed down through generations.

When my previous company closed its ceramic division, it put that heritage at risk and left a gap in the market likely to be filled by imports. In 2015, my business partner and I founded Darwen Terracotta Limited, under which Whitebirk Sink operates, to safeguard those manufacturing traditions.

It was about more than just sinks; it was about securing a future for the craft and the community around it.

How are you building and nurturing relationships with your network of independent retailers?

We focus on partnerships, not just sales. This includes trade-only pricing, heritage-driven marketing support, expert customer service support, and fast 2–5 day delivery from our Lancashire factory.

Our new trade showroom helps retailers experience our products firsthand. By listening and adapting to their feedback, we build trust and long-term value.

Whitebirk is now the last local fireclay sink producer in Lancashire. So, what does that mean to you personally?

It’s an honour and a responsibility. Being the last British-owned fireclay sink makers means we’re custodians of a heritage that’s over a century old. Personally, it fuels my commitment to preserving these skills while embracing innovation.

How are you tapping into the demand for heritage products, and how does that add value on the showroom floor?

We try to always highlight our story and celebrate how our fireclay sinks are handmade in Lancashire using time-honoured techniques.

This heritage builds emotional connection and trust, adding value on the showroom floor. Whitebirk sinks also come with a lifetime warranty, giving customers confidence in both performance and longevity.

What would success look like to you in 12 months’ time?

Success in 12 months would mean firmly establishing Whitebirk as the go-to British fireclay sink brand, not only in the UK but also in key international markets like Europe and the USA. It would involve growing our network of retail partners, expanding product lines to meet evolving customer needs, and continuing to innovate without compromising our artisanal roots.

Ultimately, success means sustaining growth while preserving the craftsmanship, quality, and heritage that define who we are, securing a vibrant future for the company.