John Brown hardwareCall 01275 853368

The people behind the shop

Meet the Team

Meet the family and team who keep John Brown Hardware running.

John Brown, founder of John Brown Hardware

Founder & Proprietor

John Brown

John opened the shop with his wife Alice on 17 September 1957, in premises he had helped his father Charles build. He worked regularly until the age of 98 and continued to oversee the business afterwards.

Maggie Fordham of John Brown Hardware

Accounts, payroll & people

Maggie Fordham

Maggie is John and Alice Brown's daughter. She became more involved in the business as John reduced his role, and now looks after the accounts, payroll and the people side of the shop. Her work is behind the scenes rather than on the shop floor.

Joe Fordham, store manager at John Brown Hardware

Store Manager

Joe Fordham

Joe joined the shop in 1975 and has handled deliveries, Calor Gas, warehouse purchasing and buying-group relationships. He remains involved in running the shop, though he has slightly reduced his hours.

Lawrence Harper, store manager at John Brown Hardware

Store Manager

Lawrence Harper

Lawrence has worked full-time at John Brown Hardware since the early 2000s. He plays a large part in the shop's day-to-day running and has taken on a greater role as Joe has slightly reduced his hours.