Current Nurseys Director, James asks his Father, Tim, some questions about Nurseys' History and Heritage.
1. Origins & early history
Nurseys has been part of the Bungay Community for generations. How did the company first begin and what did the original business look like in its early days?
Nurseys began in 1846 as a leather business under James Nursey. He came from a family of stonemasons who had lived in Halesworth before moving to Bungay. The stonemason had seven sons and there wasn’t enough work for everyone, so James went to work for a leather business in Upper Olland Street. When the owner died, James married his daughter and the business became Nursey & Son. It supplied farmers’ boots, aprons and other items for agricultural work, selling both wholesale and directly to customers.
My grandmother kept the business going through the war, and she made the first sheepskin coat — a jerkin with sleeves — during World War Two for General Sir Oliver Reese, who was in charge of the Eighth Army in Italy.
2. Evolution over time
How did Nurseys change during your and your Father, Burton’s, time with the company, and what were the most significant moments or turning points you witnessed?
My father, Burton, returned after the Second World War and realised there was a great deal of stock in the business but not much cash. He reduced prices to wholesalers by around 20% and successfully turned stock into cash before rivals did the same.
Over time the company introduced more sheepskin products as tanning technology improved. Nurseys was early in developing sheepskin coats, and demand grew through the 1960s, 70s and 80s. The business was always respected for making high-quality products locally, with local people.
3. The role of Bungay
How important has Bungay and the surrounding Suffolk countryside been to Nurseys’ identity and way of working?
Bungay and the surrounding area have always been central to Nurseys. For many years, the company was the second largest employer in Bungay, behind Clays the book printers. Nurseys also supported around 250 outworkers who carried out the hand sewing of mittens and the hand finishing on coats.
4. Craftsmanship & quality
Nurseys is known for quality sheepskin products. What does “quality” really mean at Nurseys, and how was that upheld in practice?
Quality at Nurseys was built on craftsmanship. Products were made by local people with a great deal of experience, who took pride in doing a good job and maintaining high standards.
5. Values and ethos
What core values guided decisions at Nurseys, and how were those values reflected in day-to-day operations?
Nurseys introduced profit sharing well ahead of other local companies, and it also implemented a company pension scheme before many other firms. The business wanted to reward the staff who helped develop and strengthen the company over time.
6. People behind the business
Who were the people that made Nurseys what it is — and what role did skilled craftspeople and long-serving staff play in the company’s success?
Nurseys was shaped by many long-serving individuals. Key people included Bob Shelldrake, who was production manager for decades, along with Harold Pulford and Albert Reeder, who ran the office. Tom Flatt led the coat department, and Sabina Long ran the machine room. The slipper department was managed by Derek Hall.
There were also many other notable people over the years, including more recently Ray Canham and Pauline.
7. Challenges faced
Every long-standing company faces challenges. What were some of the toughest periods for Nurseys, and how did the business respond to them?
One of the toughest periods began around 1990, when Nurseys had to start reducing the workforce as turnover continued to decline. This was largely due to changing fashion, including the rise of Barbour jackets, puffers, and layered clothing. Regrettably, the business had no choice but to make redundancies.
8. Sustainability & responsibility
Looking back, how did Nurseys think about responsibility — whether to materials, suppliers, staff, or customers — before sustainability became such a widely discussed topic?
Responsibility was always rooted in integrity and honesty. Nurseys was fortunate to have a loyal local workforce, often with brothers and sisters working together. Most people who joined the company were recommended by someone already working there.
The business also worked to use materials responsibly. Slippers were made from excess skin left over from producing jackets, and Nurseys aimed to use as much of each skin as possible, avoiding waste wherever it could.
9. Legacy and future
What do you hope people understand about Nurseys’ heritage and values today — and what do you hope the brand continues to stand for in the future?
The Nurseys trademark has always been associated with the best that can be made. It represents local manufacture by local people, using raw materials sourced across the UK and Europe. Much of what Nurseys produced was also sold back into Europe, reflecting the strength of its reputation and craftsmanship.