Three priceless words that mean so much to many, Made in England.
Having the words “Made in England” carried above the brand of attaches luxury and well made to the name. Also with these words you know its not cheap. This is because in England we are at the disposal of some of the best craftsman and materials from around the globe.
A little bit about Henry’s Shoes –
“We want to install pride into your footwear choices, not only because you like to look good but also through knowing that a highly skilful artisan just up the road has made them. I think we’ve mourned sunshine’s absence long enough, so leave your black lace-ups at work and take responsibility in brightening up yours and everyone else’s lives. Embrace the colour, it’s the weekend and you want to dance. They say that confidence is the only cure for baldness and that directly applies to your wardrobe; you can pull off anything you want to with the right amount of conviction. So have fun with it, just remember, you got these in England and whether you like it or not, you’ll have them for a while”
How Henry’s are made –
In order to guarantee the level of quality, Henry’s is working with NPS Shoes, a family run manufacturer with over 130 years of experience in the industry. All the footwear is bench-made goodyear welted and constructed with premium leathers. There can be over 200 individual processes in the construction of a goodyear welted shoe and these processes take place at 6 separate departments within the NPS factory in Northamptonshire. NPS rightly take enormous pride in their work and here is a quote to show their own commitment to their very high standards;
“The famous production standards of NPS Shoes has secured our footwear an excellent reputation with retailers and discerning customers, as a premium product. The main reason is that rather than a continuous production line where an operative has a set time in which to undertake their job, the production process of NPS offers the operative time to notice and correct any errors. Each pair of boots and shoes are only passed from one area to the next on a wooden rack when the respective operative is satisfied they are ready. In this context, there is a far slimmer chance that an unsatisfactory shoe or boot will result at the end of the production process. In effect it is a continuous quality control process not employed by many other factories.”
Henry’s Shoes for men and woman priced at £175
Click the link HERE and you can see the full range of men’s shoes available from Henry’s Shoes.
They have also started to do a small range of womens shoes. It is a very small amount but the quality and craftsmanship is exactly the same. Click HERE to see more
A few questions for Henry (owner of Henry’s Shoes) –
Tell us about the business.
Henry’s is a range of British made suede shoes designed for those who appreciate the classic styles and aren’t afraid of adding colour. All the shoes are available exclusively online and everything down to the shoe bags are all made in the UK.
How did you get started?
I’d had the idea for a few years but didn’t even consider it would be something I’d pursue whilst at University. Having left though in 2012 I started considering other options, I had this gut feeling that I wanted to try my own thing. For the next few months I did some research into potential manufacturers and believed that it would be possible but it would take some time! Having done History and Politics as a degree I wasn’t best suited for a fashion retail start-up and so everyday I had to teach myself what would be required to put a business model together. As this was going on I was also ordering samples, and it proved very difficult not to get carried away with the excitement of receiving each new potential Henry’s shoe whilst tackling the endless financial forecasts and describing my ideal target market! These processes proved to be invaluable though as I managed to secure funding to put my first order in at the beginning of this year and I haven’t really looked back since.
Where are your shoes made?
I’ve got a wonderful family-run manufacturer in Northamptonshire that has been in business for 130 years or so. At the very beginning when I approached them I didn’t think they’d be willing to work with an inexperienced young start-up with a low starting order. However, they reassured me straight away that they have always loved taking on new business and helping young brands. It was remarkable to hear it at the time and from there they held my hand through each and every process of design and I’ve been extremely fortunate.
How important is the British-made and designed aspect of the product to you?
It was absolutely essential to the brand. If I hadn’t been able to secure a British manufacturer I wouldn’t have pursued with the idea. I have always been a fan of British made footwear and truly believed that there was a space for a young brand that utilises one of Britain’s most prestigious industries. Both the designs and the craftsmanship in each process, reveal just how much talent there is on our own shores and I think that should be showcased. I also wanted to encourage spending a little more on British made footwear because they represent real value for money and ultimately last far longer than a number of foreign imports. Furthermore by buying British our consumer is supporting our own businesses and boosting our manufacturing sectors, which were once so revered.
Who and where are your main markets? How would you like to see these develop?
With all of the different creative industries now, it seems young professionals are no longer restricted by dark suits and black oxfords, and with this I think there has been an explosion of demand for ‘smart casual’ options. I put Henry’s as an alternative to the black and brown everyday wear, something that offers a bit of personality and individualism. I think Grenson are truly leading the way with adapting modern elements to old designs, especially with their use of metallic coloured leathers and chunky platform soles. Their success over the past two years just goes to show that the market for young professionals is expanding for British manufacturers. I wanted Henry’s to stay truer to the styles of the classics and so they’re not quite as adventurous as Grenson, but I think we share a lot of the same ideals.
How would you like to see the business develop?
I’d like Henry’s to develop online for the first year or two and look to start finding stockists. I’ve got quite a few ideas for a leather holdall bag range that I’d like to introduce. All made in England still! I’m learning everyday as trading continues and I’d love to think about opening a shop within 5 years or so. Long way off though and I’m just thrilled to be getting the name out there at the moment and gauging people’s reactions.
What have been the particular challenges?
Retailing online certainly has its perks and I think I would have struggled to start without it but it also means your website is the only shop window you have. Therefore bringing footfall through the site is totally dependant on you and your media plan. With a fairly limited budget, doing this organically has meant quite a few fruitless hours at the keyboard! It’s all part of the process though I think and I’ve already learnt from a few mistakes.
What inspires you in driving the business?
I think knowing the hours that I’ve put into it to get to this point means there really is no option to fail. Putting my name on a brand and being the sole-decision maker means you can’t shy away from anything and I quite like that pressure. If things don’t get done then the business loses out and so do I. It has given me a work ethic that I’ve never had before and I’m relishing it.
What are you favourite moments in running the business?
Without a doubt receiving all my stock after my first order. Standing in the stock room with stacks of yellow boxes all filled with my shoes and branded with my logo. It was actual tangible prove of what I had been working toward for 18 months. There was something so uncertain about the future that I found incredibly exciting and just wanted to get on with it.
Don’t forget to check out Henry’s social media sites –
or get in touch via the CONTACT FORM