Joseph Cheaney given Queens Award

By

Cajsa Lykke Carlson

Published
Apr 21, 2016

Joseph Cheaney is a British footwear brand that was founded in 1886 and still makes handcrafted shoes in its factory in Desborough, Northamptonshire.

The company was bought by William and Jonathan Church of the Church shoe family in 2009 and since then, turnover has more than doubled - from £4m to £9.6m. Exports have tripled and now account for nearly a third of the company’s turnover.

"We believed that we could build the Cheaney brand up and give it a new lease of life; it had all the right ingredients, a strong heritage, its own UK factory and a skilled local workforce. Being independent gave us the opportunity to raise the profile of Cheaney, as a brand in its own right, both in the UK and internationally,” said William Church, Joint Managing Director, Joseph Cheaney.

Now, the label is the proud receiver of the Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade. "I am delighted to announce that Joseph Cheaney has been honoured with one of the highest awards for British Business, The Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade.” says Jonathan Church, Joint Managing Director Joseph Cheaney. “It’s a great accolade to receive the award in 2016; a year that not only celebrates the 90th birthday of the Queen, but also the 130th anniversary of our company. For us the award also demonstrates how quality products ‘Made in England’ are recognised the world over.”

80% of Joseph Cheaney's export sales come from Europe and the Far East, and Japan is the company's biggest market overall. Since the buyout, the brand has opened six stores, which has helped raise its profile. Joseph Cheaney has also collaborated and worked with brands including Vivienne Westwood, Hackett, Sunspel, All Saints, Barbour and Superdry.