Family-run business celebrates 150 years of trading

To mark the occasion, an illuminated display has been placed on the rooftop of Morris & Company's Welsh Bridge HQ, in Shrewsbury featuring the years 1869 and 2019 and the theme ‘Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future’ complete with a specially commissioned anniversary flag.

The Morris story began in 1869 when James Kent Morris opened a grocery store selling seeds, hops and candles at No 7 Frankwell.

Over the years, the company grew through a combination of investment, enterprise and diversification with the family remaining at the heart of all its operations.

Today the fifth-generation business group employs 720 people – most local to Shropshire – working across its property, care and international site machinery businesses.

The company is proud of its heritage and of the many people who make up the business today.

Robin Morris, chairman said: “This landmark celebration represents so much hard work from so many before us. As a family, we are acutely aware that our business has been built on the solid foundations laid down by our forefathers and the loyal and skilled staff from the past.

"We are excited about this momentous year ahead and we have great plans afoot to share the celebrations with colleagues who make up our business today."

Amongst the long-serving staff is Philippa Bason, who has worked at Morris’s for over 18 years. She said: “There is a real sense of belonging to something special and feeling part of the extended Morris family. It is a lovely place to work with a great bunch of people.”

Ann Merritt, who has worked at Welsh Bridge for Morris Care for almost 20 years, added: “I’ve always felt respected and supported here and it’s been so lovely watching the Care business grow and being part of it all."

Robin added: “As an organisation we are keen to support both the young and the old as part of our family business ethos. I was delighted to announce our Morris Scholarship recently with University Centre Shrewsbury and we have our own Stepping Stone employment and apprenticeship programmes. It’s important to champion local talent ensuring we retain it here in our town.”