Birmingham has long been known as ‘the city of 1,000 trades’.
The city grew to prominence as a centre of manufacturing and engineering in the 1700s and 1800s, leading the industrial revolution and was the home of many highly-skilled firms producing a huge range of products - with some firms from that time still in business today.
The Gun Quarter, for example, became the area of the city that was, for many years, a centre of the world’s gun-manufacturing industry. And many other manufacturers also based their operations in Birmingham with different companies and factories producing toys, watches, bicycles, guns, clothes, and later, motorcycles and cars.
Birmingham also became known for the Jewellery Quarter, which is home to more than 100 retailers, diamond dealers, and workshops. A huge 40% of the jewellery made in the UK is still produced by the 300 independent manufacturers of the city’s Jewellery Quarter, continuing a trade first recorded in Birmingham in 1308.
Numerous inventors also emerged during Birmingham’s past, and the city’s skilled workforce and infrastructure encouraged other inventors and businessmen from across the world to set up shop in the city.
So, we’ve taken a look at 13 Birmingham’s longest-running businesses - with the oldest dating back more than 350 years:
9. Azim’s, Lozells
Azim’s Balti opened its doors in 1980, meaning the takeaway has been in business for over 40 years. The establishment is Birmingham’s oldest Balti house | Google
10. The Grand Hotel, Birmingham city centre
One of the city’s more famous landmarks. The Grand is a Grade II* listed Victorian five star hotel in the city centre. The hotel occupies the greater part of a block bounded by Colmore Row, Church Street, Barwick Street and Livery Street and overlooks St Philip’s Cathedral and churchyard. Designed by architect Thomson Plevins, the hotel opened in 1879. After it reopened in 2020, it’s since attracted some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Johnny Depp and Tom Cruise | The Grand Hotel, Colmore Row
11. Chung Ying, Chinese Quarter
Established in 1981, Chung Ying in Wrottesley Street, Chinatown, has proved to be one of the most successful Cantonese Restaurants in Birmingham; winning several prestigious awards. It has held its reputation for over 30 years as one of the best restaurants in Birmingham. | Google Street View
12. The Great Stone Inn, Northfield
Another one of Birmingham’s oldest pubs make the list. The Great Stone Inn in Northfield and opened in the 1800s. Today, it’s a a traditional pub with a fantastic beer garden, with a great range of drinks, cask ales, meals and entertainment | Google Street View