But now the famous firm must face the future without the man who has helped to cement it in the heart of people across the Midlands. But while the company moves on to a new chapter without Anthony Rudell, who died last month after being at its helm for more than 40 years, boss Jon Weston insists the show is going on and the future is bright.
Mr Weston says: “We talked extensively about what the future would be when the time came that anything happened to Anthony. “We knew it would happen one day, we just always hoped it would be much further in the future. We very much put things in place.
Mr Weston says: “We talked extensively about what the future would be when the time came that anything happened to Anthony. “We knew it would happen one day, we just always hoped it would be much further in the future. We very much put things in place.
“I was made deputy managing director two years ago and took over the reins in April last year. “The idea was that he still picked the bits he still enjoyed doing. “We miss him greatly but we are lucky we had put things in place so when the time came the transition was smooth.
“He had always said to me that when the time came, to dust ourselves off and get on with it. He said the show must go on and that it’s business as usual.”
Mr Weston had worked with the firm for 21 years before he was handed the reins of the business in 2010, with Mr Rudell continuing a hands-on role as chairman.
He was recruited in 1989 before becoming a fellow of the Gemological and Diamond Grading Association at the age of 21 in 1989. Recognising Mr Weston’s talent for jewellery, Anthony mentored Jon and he was promoted to manager in 1994 and directorship followed in the Millennium year.
The pair continued to work and develop the company together as a team, and Mr Weston says it is this foundation of friendship and shared visions for the future of the brand that will see its success continue.
“As far as the business is concerned, the unique personal service we offer will remain exactly the same. This is a well-oiled machine and as they say, if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Mr Rudell, known as Tony or “Roundy” to friends died last month at the age of 64 after a stroke at his Edgbaston, Birmingham, home. Born in Birmingham in 1946 to Justin and Etta Rudell, he was involved in the family’s Wolverhampton-based jewellery business from a very young age and was fascinated by the jewels and trinkets that his father brought home.
His father started the business in 1938 on Valentine’s Day as a seller of leather and fancy goods. At the start of the Second World War Justin was enlisted and served in the Warwickshire regiment.
During 1940 while Justin was recovering from a bout of influenza he met his future wife Etta who later helped develop the business with him.
The company moved into jewellery in 1950 and Tony showed a keen ambition to join the business. He began his career at the age of 20 after working with other independent jewellers.
In 1981 the company expanded further when the adjoining premises on the other side of the store became vacant, before Tony continued the growth of the business in 1986, purchasing a second base in Harborne, Birmingham and has undergone similar expansion and is now three times the original size. Mr Weston said his inspiration in the business that he adored will never be lost.
The company moved into jewellery in 1950 and Tony showed a keen ambition to join the business. He began his career at the age of 20 after working with other independent jewellers.
In 1981 the company expanded further when the adjoining premises on the other side of the store became vacant, before Tony continued the growth of the business in 1986, purchasing a second base in Harborne, Birmingham and has undergone similar expansion and is now three times the original size. Mr Weston said his inspiration in the business that he adored will never be lost.
“I am going through the trauma of losing someone so close but then it kicks in the wish and determination to fulfill his plans and carry the torch,” says Mr Weston. “This was more than just a business to him and I am so passionate about it. “His wish was that we carried on the business exactly as it was and I am determined that is exactly what we will do.”
Rudells Online: www.rudells.com
Rudells website contains a wide range of jewellery from diamond rings, necklaces and earrings to bracelets and watches. There are many sections dedicated to new and previously owned products and sections for all types of occasions like wedding and engagement rings.
Rudells High Street Jewellers currently have two showrooms one in Wolverhampton and the other in Harborne, Birmingham. Please visit them for a warm, friendly service and to view our quality jewellery ranges, prestigious watch brands and giftware.
Rudells Online: www.rudells.com
Rudells website contains a wide range of jewellery from diamond rings, necklaces and earrings to bracelets and watches. There are many sections dedicated to new and previously owned products and sections for all types of occasions like wedding and engagement rings.
Rudells High Street Jewellers currently have two showrooms one in Wolverhampton and the other in Harborne, Birmingham. Please visit them for a warm, friendly service and to view our quality jewellery ranges, prestigious watch brands and giftware.
(EDITOR: As a fellow Brummie, please let me give my condolences to the Rudell family and the staff of the firm)
No comments:
Post a Comment