11th March 2010
For many years Leicester was the hub of the shoe and textile industry and in 1896 A. Potterton Ltd. (now known as Pottertons Cases) was founded by Mr A Potterton. Born in Leicester in 1871 Mr Potterton was educated at Alderman Newton’s Charity School for poor boys. This was a humble beginning for a man who started his working life as a bench worker and worked his way up to being one of the most sought after sample cases makers in the country.
The business began primarily manufacturing shoe sample display cases for travelling salesman. Pottertons had become a much respected name and was associated with the highest standard of craftsmanship. So much so that in 1929 the company was commissioned to make the shoe case for H.R.H. The Duchess of York’s wedding luggage
In 1946 a mercer in the leather trade, Mr Norman L Jackson became a partner in the company after receiving compensation when his own factory was destroyed in a bombing raid. He invested in Pottertons and for some years the company was run by Mr Jackson. Due to ill health in 1957 he realised he needed someone to take over the business and decided on this being son in-law John Pickering.
By now the company had become known as Pottertons Cases and was owned soley by Mr Jackson , Pottertons Cases continued to develop new products and diversified the markets being supplied under John’s leadership. This diversity was the start of an expansion in which Pottertons Cases moved to Coleman Road in Leicester. The factory was fitted for the manufacturing processing and a showroom was made available for clients to come and discuss their case requirements and for the local public to purchase quality luggage brands such as Samsonite and Antler.
John has retired in recent years but regularly comes in to see us. John’s son Tim Pickering who trained in the design & manufacture of leather goods at college and has been involved with Pottertons Cases for many, many years is our current Managing Director.
The range of products now supplied by Pottertons is immense compared to those early days producing various constructions of cases and specialist bags made for the protection, transportation or storage of products as well as sales presenters & folders and many other products used within promotional and marketing industries. Pottertons Cases products continue to be supplied to many blue chip companies, design and marketing agencies, government agencies and individuals. Although many things have changed in our 113 years of trading we still pride ourselves on our craftsmanship, quality and service. Maintaining our role as the United Kingdom's Number 1 specialist case manufacturer our aim is to ensure that your products arrive – on time, to the correct specification and to the agreed budgets.
