About Us - Celebrating 125 years in 2010

PRESS RELEASE - JANUARY 2010

Independent Jewellers Robert Openshaw of Cleckheaton celebrates its 125th Birthday this year.

The company which has traded from the same location in Cleckheaton throughout its history, held a celebratory Dinner for employees in December.

During the event, Alan Fairbotham presented a special momento to the company - a rare Gold Soverign with a hallmark from 1885, the year in which the store was established.

"Openshaw's are what businesses are all about. It is an astonishing achievement to have survived 125 years. Openshaw's have been a hallmark of excellence in Cleckheaton for so many years" said Managing Director, Mark Hepworth. "Openshaw's is one of the few long standing independents in a prime location left in Cleckheaton Town Centre.

We have seen five different monarchs, two world wars and are in the middle of the worst economic climate; but despite this Robert Openshaw is planning a few surprises for customers during the year; investing in a full showroom refurbishment, and an "in-house" Working Jeweller to further strengthen the business.

1885 to Present Day

1885
Robert Openshaw's was known as Stansfield's - The Jeweller. That was until Optician Robert Openshaw purchased the business and changed it into an opticians which also happened to sell jewellery.

1964
The second metamorphis began when a young jeweller Alan Fairbotham answered an advertisement in the "Retail Jeweller" for a Manager. In spite of having to cope with the optical side, which was completely new to him, he more than doubled the turnover in the first year and the jewellery business side took off.

1982
Robert Openshaw retires, and the company is purchased by Alan & Anne Fairbotham.

1985
Robert Openshaw's celebrate 100 years.

2008 to today
Keeping it in the family, Daughter & Son in Law Helen & Mark Hepworth join the family business which now comprises Retail, Online & Property.

Authorised Stockists

Robert Openshaw Ltd are authorised stockists of ALL the brands that we retail on-line and in our stores.

Should you need to speak with us regarding any aspect of Sale's or Service,
please call us on 0844 4 871 971

Internet Safety & PayPal Verified

We recognise that internet safety is an issue for many web shoppers, indeed more so for many online internet shops. Many of the other suppliers of Branded Jewellery who trade online have a presence but may not back this up with secure on line trading.

Here at openshaws.co.uk however your protection is very important to us. We use PayPal (www.paypal.co.uk), Nochex (www.nochex.com) & RBS/NatWest Streamline to process all our online payments. PayPal, Nochex & Streamline provide a whole range of anti-fraud tools that enable us to minimise your risk as a consumer.

At openshaws.co.uk, your online security is our primary concern.