As manufacturers across Britain face rising costs, one of Birmingham’s oldest family-run businesses has marked a rare milestone. Deakin & Francis, England's oldest family-run jewellers, celebrated 240 years of continuous production in the city’s Jewellery Quarter.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Founded in 1786, Deakin & Francis remains one of a shrinking number of heritage manufacturers still designing and producing locally in Birmingham. Now led by the seventh generation of the Deakin family, the company has witnessed dramatic changes in British industry, retail and consumer behaviour over more than two centuries.
The milestone comes at a time when many independent manufacturers and high street businesses continue to face significant challenges. Against this backdrop, Deakin & Francis believes there is growing interest in craftsmanship, provenance and products with a clear connection to the people who make them.
Owner's Reflections
Henry Deakin, owner of Deakin & Francis, said: “Reaching 240 years is a significant milestone for our family, but it is also a reminder of the generations of craftspeople, manufacturers and independent businesses that have shaped Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. We are fortunate to still be making our products here today. Many businesses with long histories have disappeared over the years, and many traditional skills have become increasingly rare.”
He added: “We have noticed that more customers are interested in where things are made, who made them and the story behind them. There seems to be a growing appreciation for quality, longevity and craftsmanship at a time when so much of what we buy is produced on a much larger scale.”
Community Celebration
As part of its 240th anniversary celebrations, Deakin & Francis announced plans for a community event in Birmingham today, June 19. The event will celebrate not only the company’s anniversary, but also the wider heritage of the Jewellery Quarter and the community of independent businesses and makers that continue to contribute to its identity.
Deakin & Francis is located at 15-17 Regent Place, Birmingham B1 3NL.
