About Us

1885 to Present Day

 
1885
Robert Openshaw's was originally known as Stansfield's - The Jeweller. Founded in 1885 by Frederick & Bertha Stansfield.
 
1902
Our founder Frederick Stansfield dies, leaving the company in the safe hands of wife Bertha.
 
1946
For a mere £6500, Optician & Chemist Robert Openshaw purchased the business and several properties. Robert changed the jewellers 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.
 
1970
Due to the continued success of the Jewellery side of the business, the decision is taken to re-locate the Optical side to its own new premises.
 
1982
Robert Openshaw retires, and the company is purchased by Alan & Anne Fairbotham.

1983
Robert Openhsaw Ltd completes the purchase of Morley Jewellers; J W Hargreaves Ltd
 
1985
Robert Openshaw's celebrate 100 years.
 
1989
Robert Openshaw Passes away on 19th May 1989
 
2008
Keeping it in the family, Daughter & Son in Law Helen & Mark Hepworth join the family business which now comprises Retail, Online & Property.
 
2009
Openshaws Direct become acredited partners of Amazon.co.uk.
 
2010 to today
Celebrating 125 years, Robert Openshaw unlocks the archives and discovers that its the longest standing Independant Retailer in Cleckheaton.
 
Litlte did we know how useful the internet would be; and online sales at OpenshawsDirect more than treble in 12 months leading to a re-brand and launch of giftsaver.co.uk