From local roots to national reach: four retail success stories from the West Midlands

While London often dominates the headlines for business success stories, the West Midlands has long been one of Britain’s powerful commercial regions.

It is a place where industriousness, family ownership, logistical advantage and deep-rooted community ties provide a fertile ground for brands seeking to grow and expand nationwide.

Here we explore four of the West Midlands’ most successful retail businesses, whose stories started from humble beginnings and have evolved to become some of Britain’s best-loved nationwide brands. 

A glittering gem from the heart of the Midlands

The West Midlands and, in particular, Birmingham has a rich heritage in the jewellery trade. But it was in nearby Brierley Hill where one of the country’s most successful jewellery retailers was founded when watchmaker and jewellery maker Thomas Henry Baker opened his first store in the town in 1888.

The brand offers a wide range of gold and silver jewellery, as well as watches and an extensive second-hand range, including Rolex and Breitling collector’s items. Now in its fifth generation of family ownership, with its headquarters in Exchange Street, Kidderminster, TH Baker has become one of the most respected fine jewellery retailers in the UK, operating 18 stores throughout the country as well as a successful online store.

Brewing up one of Britain’s best-loved beers

Thanks to its unique, gypsum-rich water, the market town of Burton upon Trent has been synonymous with brewing for almost two centuries. One of its most enduring names is Marston’s, a beloved West Midlands brand which evolved from a single Victorian brewery into a nationwide operator of hundreds of pubs, hotels and brewing brands.

Marston’s story began during the Industrial Revolution, when brewer John Marston established the Horninglow Brewery in 1834. Within three decades, it was producing 3,000 barrels a year. 

After amalgamating with another local brewer in 1898, the brand increased capacity to 100,000 barrels per year. Today, with its headquarters in St Johns Square, Wolverhampton, Marston’s is now owned by Carlsberg and operates more than 1300 pubs and bars across the UK. 

From local bookstore to nationwide gift retailer

If you have ever needed to buy a last-minute card or book gift, you may well have popped into your nearest branch of The Works. With a core product offering including books, toys, gifts, stationery and crafts, The Works has become one of the most recognisable retailers in the country, and its strong focus on value and affordability has ensured its popularity with budget-conscious shoppers everywhere.

The brand started out from its founders’ kitchen table before opening a first shop in Halesowen, with its headquarters in Coleshill in today. Originally known as Remainers, the company steadily grew. 

Today, The Works has more than 500 stores across the UK and Ireland, as well as a thriving e-commerce presence. Its location in the heart of England gives the brand unrivalled logistic advantages, making it an ideal base for distribution to its nationwide network.

The grocer’s shop turned national food group

If you have not heard of Black Country-based national retailer A. F. Blakemore you will certainly have heard of its brands. The company started out back in 1917 as a single grocery shop in Wolverhampton, in the heart of the West Midlands. Over more than a century, that single store has become a £1.2b food and drinks business.

As one the largest and most successful family-owned businesses in the UK, A. F. Blakemore operates hundreds of SPAR convenience stores throughout the country, with a major wholesale, distribution and foodservice network serving retailers and caterers nationwide. 

The company’s decision to keep its headquarters and major distribution operations in Wolverhampton has enabled it to maintain long-standing relationships with local suppliers, employees and communities; an ethos that has been instrumental in the brand’s success.

Growing your business

These success stories show what is possible when ambition is matched with the right support, insight and opportunities.

Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) supports small and medium-sized businesses across the region to start, scale and grow. Whether you are looking to expand into new markets, strengthen your leadership team, improve productivity or access specialist advice, BGWM can help.

Support includes:

• Fully funded and part-funded programmes tailored to different stages of growth
• Expert-led workshops and masterclasses covering leadership, marketing, finance and innovation
• One-to-one business advice from experienced growth specialists
• Peer networks and events connecting you with other ambitious business leaders

If you’re ready to take the next step in your growth journey, get in touch with BGWM to explore the support available and see how we can help your business grow with confidence.