History
Usually in business we like to look forward – and as a company we pride ourselves on just that – but on occasion, it’s reassuring to look back.
1869
Our story begins back in 1869 in a small black and white grocery shop in Frankwell, Shrewsbury where an industrious James Kent Morris was to set up his candle business with a robust service philosophy which has stood the test of time: “To do the common thing uncommonly well brings success”.
And it did. Over the years the company developed many trading operations which it helped flourish and on which it capitalised as markets matured, with the family remaining central to the growth and success of each business.
Take a look at our timeline to find out more about our five generations of evolution:
Our Story
1869
James Kent Morris sets up his modest grocery enterprise in Frankwell in Shrewsbury
1869
Sarah Morris, first wife of James Kent Morris
1869
Opening of the first grocery shop in Frankwell, Shrewsbury
1872
The Frankwell shop was extended to incorporate the new Steam Candle Works
1900
Morris store and staff pictured at its Wyle Cop store in Shrewsbury
1907
Fanny Morris, daughter of J. K. Morris and Mr E. Paterson on their wedding day
1911
Deliveries made by horse drawn cart to the Morris Bakery at 19 Frankwell in Shrewsbury
1911
James Kent Morris second son of James Kent Morris develops the company’s oil business
1913
Proud staff photographed outside the celebrated Morris Café on Pride Hill
1920
J. K Morris purchased 1,000,000 gallons of surplus oil from the government, building the oil business
1920
Morris outdoor catering at Shrewsbury Floral Fete, later to become Shrewsbury Flower Show
1922
The impressive new Morris & Company headquarters is completed in 1922
1927
The Morris brothers ‘grand plan’ at 24-26 Pride Hill for the 73ft new store
1931
Cliff Morris marries Evelyn Morris, descendant of Henry Morris, James Kent Morris’s son
1934
Cliff Morris, father to Bill Morris (Chairman 1984-2009)
1940s
The Morris Home Guard as photographed in 1944 a year before the war ended
1943
The Grocery Licence during the war years issued for the Cafe at 25 Pride Hill
1950s
An example of the autumn collection Wetherall brand advertising in Shropshire Magazine
1955
Morris’ lingerie shop on Pride Hill fared well throughout the ‘50s
1960
Baking loaves at the new Horsefair bakery in Shrewsbury
1962
Green shield stamps increased business as the flagship Pride Hill store was converted to self service
1963
A liveried van delivery to the busy Pride Hill store
1968
The Company launches its new SaveRite supermarket brand
1969
The Board including Peter Morris, J.K. Morris’ son (2nd left) and Cliff Morris (2nd right)
1969
Morris & Company staff enjoy a Centenary Dinner at the Morris Café on Pride Hill
1972
Staff at work on the new bacon production line at Wellington SaveRite
1979
An example of Morris Lubricants’ colourful advertising of the day
1989
Morris Care launched with the first brick laid at Radbrook Nursing Home
1990
Chairman, Bill Morris photographed with his trusty springer spaniels
1991
The acquisition of Stanmore Hall in Bridgnorth heralds a new Leisure Division
1994
Three generations: Bill’s son Robin who is a Chartered Surveyor joins the family business
1996
Robin Morris leads the vision for Victoria Quay with conversion of The Armoury into pub/restaurant
1999
The Company joins Mr Cliff to celebrate his 100th birthday with champagne and cake at Welsh Bridge
2000
Food division sold to Midcounties Co-operative marking the end of 130 years food retailing
2000
Cliff Morris receiving his Legion d’honneur at the age of 101
2000
Morris and Company Millennium project – building a pontoon for the River Severn
2001
Chris Morris, second son of Bill, joins the Company as Marketing Manager
2004
Lubricants & Leisure Divisions now under sole ownership of Paterson Enterprises Limited
2006
Morris Site Machinery was founded with the acquisition of ArcGen Limited
2007
Morris Care grows with the acquisition of Stretton Hall in All Stretton, Shropshire
2008
ArcGen acquires Hilta Pumps to become ArcGen Hilta Limited
2008
Morris & Company acquires the Marrington Estate in Chirbury, South Shropshire
2009
Celebrating Bill Morris’s 50 years with the company and 25 years as Chairman
2010
ArcGen Hilta acquires Sandhurst Manufacturing Company
2012
Chris Morris becomes Chief Executive of Morris Site Machinery
2014
Morris Joinery workshop, part of Property, branches out to private clients
2016
Robin Morris appointed 2016 President of Shrewsbury Horticultural Society
2017
The Company’s record international sales are recognised in The Sunday Times Awards
2018
Morris Property completes the final phase at its leading trade park, Vanguard
2018
Angela Rippon opens Ercall Court, Morris Care’s Specialist Dementia Home in Wellington
2019
Morris and Company celebrate its 150th anniversary of trading
2019
Robin presents Bill with a silver salver to commemorate his father’s 60th anniversary with the Company
2019
The Company celebrates its top 150 ‘stars’ in the celebratory staff awards
2019
Summer celebrations at Shrewsbury Flower Show with guest of honour, Mariella Frostrup
2020
Morris Care’s live broadcast for the launch of the new Garden Suite at Radbrook Nursing Home
2020
Morris Property completes phase 2 of construction at The Tannery site in Shrewsbury
2020
£3.5 million redevelopment of Morris Property’s Centurion Park completed
2021
Morris Property construction team complete flagship i54 building adjacent to the M54 motorway
2021
New holiday rental business Marrington Escapes launches
2022
Morris Site Machinery was sold to long standing customer, John F Hunt Group
2022
BBC TV broadcasts live from Morris Care’s Isle Court with Anton Du Beke celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee
2023
The Morris Care operation was successfully transferred to Welford Healthcare along with 560 care staff
2023
Morris Property partners with STFC as the new front of shirt sponsors for the 2023 and 24 seasons
2023
Stadium Point site at Oteley Road in Shrewsbury awaits planning
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