1884: The Foundation
The Bettinsons legacy unfolded with the birth of Thomas Bettinson. Raised on a farm, he then worked in various agricultural ironmongers and ironmongery establishments across the Midlands. Kitchens Leicester
1925: The Acquisition
John ventured into a new phase, acquiring the existing Bettinsons premises.
1935: A Father-Son Collaboration
John’s son, Bernard, left school to work with his dad in the ironmongery shop.
c. 1925-1935
c. 1952
1939/1940: Turbulent Times
During this period, John sent Bernard away for training at an ironmongers in Bromsgrove. Unfortunately, in his absence, the premises were leased and the hardware business sold, leading to financial turmoil. Bernard, upon his return, received a loan from his father to reclaim the business, marking a temporary retirement for John.
1942: War and Business
Bernard signed up to the RAF to serve his country. John emerged from retirement to manage the business.
1945: Post War Resumption!
Bernard returned from military service. He said it was strange adjusting to civilian life especially because he had been marching daily in the RAF for those years and his legs were killing him from standing still in the shop!
1946: A New Generation
Bernard married and his family expanded with the arrival of John (the now owner of Bettinsons) and 3 daughters.
1958: Diversification and Concerns
Bernard expanded the business by introducing additional buildings and creating Bettinsons Electrical. However, financial concerns prompted the sale of the electrical business due to the associated costs of selling appliances like fridges.
c. 1952-1953
c. 1953-1954
1964: Market Changes and Adaptation
The UK government’s abolition of resale price maintenance brought challenges as larger competitors used their advantages to undercut prices. Bettinsons adapted by diversifying into toys, prams and pushchairs, finding success but facing ongoing competition.
1969/1970: The Next Generation Steps In
Continuing his business expansion, Bernard made substantial alterations to the buildings.
His son, John, worked from the age of 13 in the family hardware shop. At the time he was more interested in car design and architecture, but a careers advisor put him off and his journey into the family business began in earnest with training at a local ironmongery.
1987
Bernard passed away and John officially took over the business. Surprisingly, the kitchens business began by accident in the same year when John went to a trade show and someone randomly suggested, ‘you’ve got some space, why not sell kitchens’ and the rest, as they say is history.
c. 1970s
Kitchen Envy
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