28 Charities, Gifts & Collectibles Fine diamonds


With a 225-year history, family-owned Boodles has cemented its place as one of Britain’s leading jewellers. Words: Layla Turner


Since its conception in 1798, Boodles has done things a little differently. No other fine jewellery brand hails from Liverpool, yet today, 225 years after the brand was born, it still calls the city home. Its heritage has always remained its top priority, and though the brand has grown in popularity throughout the years, it’s still very much a family business. “Te Boodles story starts all


the way back in 1798,” says James Amos, Boodles’ director. “Te family didn’t get involved until the 19th century, when they merged two businesses and operated as Boodles and Dunthorne in the late summer of 1945. When Anthony Wainwright returned to the business after fighting in the Second World War, the Liverpool he knew and loved was very different to the one he left in 1939.” Spending money on jewellery


in a time when people were trying to rebuild their lives wasn’t a priority, and Anthony was called to a meeting with his accountant and bank manager, where they advised him to close the business completely. He thanked them for the advice, but decided to crack on anyway. And the family is most grateful


AMBER AND YASMIN LE BON WEAR BOODLES


that he did. As a result of some astute brand awareness — Boodles


THE BOODLES RAINDANCE COLLECTION


was responsible for making trophies for the Grand National back in the 1950s — the company soon grew from a humble shop in Liverpool to owning a second store in Chester by 1965, and a third in Manchester 15 years later. Today, you’ll find 10 stores across the UK, with more potentially in the pipeline. “For the past seven years, we’ve


been focused on telling our story,” says James. “Tis year, we sent the chairman of the business around Europe to celebrate the 60th anniversary of his father’s famous 16-day trip around the world. Our designer went with him for inspiration, and we’ve created some really beautiful and unique pieces, as well as a film to go alongside it. We’ve titled the collection ‘A family journey: around Europe in ten days’. It comes out in June and we’re very excited about it.” James believes it’s Boodles’s


history that sets it apart from other jewellery brands. “We encourage our employees to build up proper relationships with our customers. All salespeople have as much budget as they want for entertaining, whether that’s through lunch,


an evening out or a trip to the ballet. We want our customers to feel important, because they are.” Clearly, the family’s efforts are


paying off — Boodles recently celebrated £100m in sales. “I was speaking to the manager of our Bond Street store at breakfast last week, and we worked out that the amount of sales they hit in the last financial year was the same as the company took as a whole when he first joined the business 20 years ago. Mid-interview, James declines


a call from his cousin, Honour Wainwright, who’s also a part of the business. I’m told the pair speak to each other at least 20 times a day. When asked what it was like working in such close proximity to his family, James answers: “Most of us have grown up together, and we’re lucky that we all get on well. We spend a lot of time together — we holiday with each other every year, and spend Christmas together, too. We’re rather a traditional family, and we have traditional values, but we always have fun. Especially in board meetings!” boodles.com


17 APRIL 2023 BEST OF BRITISH DISTRIBUTED WITH


Spot the difference?


One of these images shows the vision of someone with glaucoma. Can you tell which it is?


Glaucoma can be symptomless, and you could lose vision to the disease before you’re able to spot the signs. An optometrist can identify glaucoma at a routine eye appointment at your local opticians.


Visit www.glaucoma.uk to find out more. Book your eye test today.


Glaucoma UK is the operating name of the International Glaucoma Association. Charity registered in England and Wales No. 274681 and Scotland No. SC041550


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32