Leading businesses and politicians from across Blackburn with Darwen have congratulated Ainsworth Jewellers on their 150th anniversary.

Former Home and Foreign Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw praised the Ainsworths for this ‘outstanding achievement’.

He said: “Since Ainsworth Jewellers was established in 1870 the world has changed beyond measure; and nowhere has change been more rapid, and profound than in Blackburn. Darwen Street where Ainsworth is located tells its own story in that regard – it used to be the main through road from Clitheroe to Bolton.

“Through all this change, and challenge to local businesses, Ainsworth Jewellers has sailed on supreme – by offering exceptional quality, competitiveness, and personal service. I have been a customer – and the smiles on the faces of my wife, daughter, and other relatives and friends, tell their own story when the gifts which I have bought have been unwrapped. 

“My best wishes to everyone who has made this outstanding success.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

Kate Hollern, MP for Blackburn said: “I congratulate Philip Ainsworth and his team on this outstanding achievement. That the Ainsworth family have maintained their business premises in Blackburn for so long is a wonderful illustration of their commitment to the town. 

“It is the presence of longstanding family businesses such as Ainsworth Jewellers that gives Blackburn its individual identity at a time when the retail sector is increasingly dominated by national and global outlets.

“Ainsworth’s is one of a number of businesses situated on Darwen Street (including Hobkirk’s Sewing Machines and Edmondson’s Furniture) that has been established in that part of the town centre for so long that it would be difficult to imagine a time that they were not there. Here’s to the next 150 years!”

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Ilyas Munshi, EG Group’s Group Commercial Director, said: “On behalf of everyone at EG Group, we wanted to congratulate Ainsworth Jewellers on their outstanding achievement.  As a fellow family-owned business with roots in Blackburn, we recognise the sustained hard work and commitment which has gone into reaching such a significant milestone. We wish Phil and the Ainsworth family all the best for the future.” 

Khalid Saifullah, Managing Director at Blackburn’s Star Tissue UK, said: “Ainsworth Jewellers has achieved a remarkable milestone by reaching 150 continuous years of doing business. To be able to adapt in order to stay relevant all this time is to be highly commended, still providing quality products with that traditional family welcome.  

“Most importantly, their longevity illustrates the families entrepreneurial spirit, the strong partnerships the company has formed with valued customers and business partners, and the passion and dedication of their employees from the early days until today.  We are proud to have such an enduring company in the borough.”

Ian Brown, Chairman of the Hive Ambassadors Network, said: “Congratulations to Philip and his team at Ainsworth Jewellers on this wonderful achievement.  To have a such a successful high street presence for 150 years is testament to the passion, hard work and dedication of each generation of the family and on behalf of everyone at the Hive; we want to wish them continued success for the next 150 years!”

Hannah Allen, CEO Blackburn Youth Zone said, “Ainsworth Jewellers have been supporting Blackburn Youth Zone right since we opened our doors back in 2012. 
“As very close neighbours, they have been very supportive of investing in young people in Blackburn with Darwen by supporting us through donations and supporting BYZ events. We are so grateful for your support and your passion in the borough. 
“Congratulations on celebrating 150 years in business, which is an incredible achievement.”