Morning Routine - What does a typical morning look like for you, and how do you kickstart your day?
I usually start my mornings around 6:45 am. First thing, I splash some water on my face to wake up, then jump in the shower and use Baz & Co exfoliator. Weekdays, I shave every morning, but I give it a miss on weekends. Breakfast is always a bowl of porridge and a cup of tea while skimming through the online newspaper. On weekends, though, I switch things up and hop on the indoor Wattbike trainer first thing instead.
Work life balance - As a busy entrepreneur, how do you balance work and family time?
Running a brand and a factory means you’ve got to have some structure where you can. Most of the time, it’s regular hours, except when special industry events pop up or when it’s travel time. Having my third cousin as a business partner brings a bit of family into the mix too—which is a nice touch. At the end of the day, you just make it work.
Fitness has always been a big part of my life—running and cycling are my non-negotiables. We’re an outdoorsy family, so weekends are usually spent outside, and we love watching my son play rugby. Factory holidays help add a bit of structure to the year, making it easier to plan trips when we can.
Business Insights - Can you tell us more about how Joseph Cheaney & Sons started and the inspiration behind the company today?
Cheaney was founded in 1886 as a private company and remained independent until the 60s when it joined the Church Group, later becoming part of Prada. In 2009, my cousin and I bought out Cheaney, identifying an opportunity to grow the Cheaney brand alongside its private label.
Since then, we’ve grown a lot—opening more stores, building up our online presence, and expanding our wholesale network. Cheaney was originally an additional manufacturing line to Church’s shoes, but we saw the potential to elevate a modest company and give it the recognition it deserved. At the core of it all are our incredible craftsmen—their skill and dedication keep the British shoe trade alive, and that’s what drives us to protect and preserve this heritage for the future.
Product/ material - How do you source accessible and exceptional materials from around the world?
We only work with the highest-quality calf leathers, mostly from the UK and Europe, making sure they meet the exact standards we need for our footwear. We’ve built strong relationships with top tanneries, so we can collaborate closely with them to ensure the leather is suitable for our designs and the season’s needs.
Industry Trends - What trends are you seeing in the market, and how are Cheaney adapting?
Workplace clothing, especially in The City of London, has moved from formal to smart casual, creating a need for shoes that are comfortable and versatile. Our seasonal collections are all about that shift, with transitional styles like loafers and Chelsea boots made from soft leathers and flexible soles. The aim is to bridge the gap between trainers and formal shoes—and that’s definitely where we’re seeing more and more demand.
Personal Favourites - Do you have a favourite pair of Cheaney’s?
The Barnes boot is definitely my weekend go-to. I’m all about a good Chelsea boot—it’s perfect for a casual look with jeans or a bit more polished with chinos. The easy slip-on design is ideal for my busy lifestyle, and I’ve got plenty of options in our range to choose from, which is a nice problem to have!
Business Philosophy - What fundamental values and principles guide your business practices at Cheaney’s?
Staying focused, we pride ourselves on being among the best when it comes to Goodyear welted shoes, and that’s at the heart of everything we do. Do what we do well, even better – always staying in tune with market trends and customer needs. Whatever happens it’s a wider team effort, Cheaney is a community, and everyone plays a key role in ensuring its success, with each person’s contribution being invaluable.
Challenges and Successes - What has been your biggest challenge in running your businesses, and how did you overcome it?
When we took over the business in 2009, it was primarily driven by private label work, and our challenge was to build the Cheaney brand from that foundation. The goal is always to grow that profile.
As we make something very specialist in construction, it is highly labour intensive and skill dependent. It’s important for us to communicate that to our customers and help them understand the cost-per-wear value, especially in a world where fast fashion dominates. If you take care of your shoes, they’ll take care of you in the long run.
Given how reliant we are on these skills, it’s crucial that we preserve them for future generations.
Future Goals - What are your goals for Cheaney’s?
Over the last 15 years, the brand’s profile has grown significantly in the UK. Now, there are some exciting opportunities to expand even further, whether through a wider wholesale network or by opening dedicated Cheaney retail stores outside of the UK.
