62-63 William Lamb LSB 2026 (v2) (SL - Passed).qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 09/01/2026 17:52 Page 1
IN CONVERSATION WITH: WILLIAM LAMB
Backed by over 130 years of heritage, William Lamb has earned its place as the licensed footwear and bag supplier of choice for some of the UK’s largest retailers. Now, with new leadership bringing renewed purpose and a clear vision for what comes next, the Yorkshirebased business is stepping confidently into its next chapter.
Best foot forward
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ounded in 1887 as a manufacturer of clogs for miners, William Lamb has evolved into one of the UK’s leading specialists in licensed footwear and accessories. Today, the family-owned business combines deep heritage with modern commercial agility – something that becomes instantly clear the moment you step inside its Wakefield headquarters. Behind the Victorian façade lies a 50,000 sq ft operation humming with creativity and expertise. The building – used continuously by the company since the 19th century – is a maze of studios, offices and showrooms, as well as home to a vast warehouse. There is even a small museum, showcasing product innovation from across its long history, from early workwear to today’s characterled kids’ collections. What’s also surprising is that many of the people working there are from generations of the same families. “Over 65% of our team have been with us more than 15 years,” points out head of licensing Sandra Vanstan. “Family, people, authenticity and
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LICENSING SOURCE BOOK 2026
Inset: Head of licensing Sandra Vanstan. Below: In addition to footwear and bags, the William Lamb offering extends to licensed accessories such as umbrellas. Bottom: Ceo Jonathan Tillery joined the business in June 2025.
integrity are at the heart of our business. You can feel it in the building and in the relationships we have with our customers and licensors.” For decades, William Lamb has kept a low public profile. “We haven’t felt the need to put our heads above the parapet and say hi,” says Sandra. “We have a simple business formula: we make great product, make it properly and on time, and if anything goes amiss, we put it right.” Because of that, the company enjoys solid relationships with some of the biggest names in retail including Next, Tu, F&F, Barbour, Clarks and MiniBoden, and has a trophy cabinet full of design and licensing awards that it has accrued over the past 20 years. However, the appointment in June 2025 of new ceo Jonathan Tillery, who has brought with him substantial retail experience from George at Asda, Primark, TK Maxx and more, has injected fresh momentum into the business, prompting the team to step forward and celebrate what has long made the company successful.