THE BIG INTERVIEW Inset: The company has been based at its Wakefield HQ since the late 1800s and is still owned by the Lamb family.
Inset: The Light Up tiles allow children to experiment with shadows and reflections. Below: CONNETIX new product development manager, Chris Bartling.
BEST FOOT FORWARD
Backed by over 130 years of heritage, William Lamb has earned its place as the licensed children’s 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.
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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 character-led 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 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
Above right: Head of licensing Sandra Vanstan. Right: Ceo Jonathan Tillery joined the business in June 2025.
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