This week I’m joined by Holly Stafford-Smith from GH Stafford & Son Ltd, a fourth-generation family business that has been supplying leather goods and accessories across the UK for almost 80 years.
In this episode, Holly shares the story of how the business evolved from manufacturing leather goods in post-war Walsall to becoming a long-established wholesale supplier working with retailers and wholesalers across the UK and Ireland.
We talk about what it’s really like working in a family business, balancing tradition with modernisation, navigating generational differences, evolving a product range over time, and why focusing on product quality has helped the business continue to grow after all these years.
There’s also a really honest conversation about the realities of family business life, the challenges, the opportunities, and the deep care that comes with building something across generations.
Whether you run a product-based business yourself or are interested in how long-standing businesses continue to adapt and evolve, there’s so much insight in this episode.
Episode Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Holly Stafford-Smith and GH Stafford & Son Ltd
01:31 The story behind the family business founded in 1947
03:17 How the business has stayed relevant for nearly 80 years
05:49 Modernising a long-established wholesale business
07:24 Selling through retailers and wholesalers across the UK
09:09 Why the business has stayed B2B only
11:05 How the product range has evolved over the years
13:44 Using customer feedback to shape products
16:44 Growing up in a family business
19:40 Working across different roles in the business
20:43 Navigating family dynamics and generational differences
24:58 The realities of working in a family business
29:30 Holly’s advice for product business owners
Connect with Holly here:
https://ghstafford.com/
https://www.facebook.com/GHStaffordandSon
https://www.instagram.com/ghstaffordandson/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-stafford-smith/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/g.h.stafford-&-son-limited/
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Free call for Amazon Sellers
I’m running a free call on 6 May for anyone selling on Amazon (or planning to) who’d like some practical support and a chance to talk things through together.
It’ll be very relaxed - a mix of updates from me on how best to get Amazon reviews, Q&A and discussion. It’s fine to come along and chat, or to just sit back and listen.
I’d love to see you there if you’re able to join.
Amazon Sellers Support & Connect
Amazon Made Easy is now open
My membership, Amazon Made Easy is now open.
It’s a membership for people who are selling on Amazon (or planning to) and want regular access to support, somewhere to ask questions and talk things through, and a bit of structure and accountability as they grow.
Inside, there are live Q&A calls, optional co-working sessions and a small, supportive community.
Find out more:
https://vickiweinberg.com/membership
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