Shropshire’s got talent to fuel tannery’s growth
“The team at the Tannery is made up of very talented and committed local people”
Brad Burn, founder of Bradley’s the Tannery
Brad Burn moved to Shropshire from Newcastle upon Tyne 40 years ago and started up his business here more than 20 years ago.
The past two decades has seen Bradley’s the Tannery in Bridgnorth grow into a diversified and successful firm - thanks in no small part to the talent of the workforce and local business support services.
Now the company is looking to dig its roots more firmly in the West Midlands by purchasing premises in Shropshire.
Brad’s big break from Business Link
Brad’s company, which originally made industrial protective clothing, suffered during the 1990s recession and diversified into gardening gear. It got its big break when Shropshire County Council and Business Link supplied the Tannery with stand space at the NEC for GLEE, the gardening industry’s annual show. They secured their first order for £1000 and haven’t looked back since.
Now the company, which employs seven people, makes a wide range of gardening products such as gloves, bags, aprons and tools, using traditional methods and local craftsmen. Every product is hand-made using natural materials and leathers, which are tanned in-house at the Tannery in Bridgnorth.
The X-factor
The beauty of the region is one of the reasons why Brad has never been tempted to relocate the business outside Shropshire. “The Tannery overlooks the river Severn as it weaves its way from Ironbridge to Bewdley,” he says. “I don’t think you can ask for a better view from the office!”
But the real X-factor for Brad’s business is the skill he’s found in the local population. When asked what benefits Shropshire offers his business he is very clear: “The people. The team at the Tannery is made up of very talented and committed local people.”
Local customers have also made a big difference. “We have also relied heavily on feedback from local women and garden groups to help develop our garden ranges,” says Brad. “Support for the business over the last few years has been fantastic.”
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“I don’t think you can ask for a better view from the office.”
Brad Burn, founder of Bradley’s the Tannery
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