A lorry carefully navigates Allison Street in Digbeth, passing a row of parked police vehicles by the old station, attempting to reach AE Williams, one of the district’s few remaining industrial enterprises. Once a thriving hub of manufacturing, Digbeth is now witnessing drastic changes.
AE Williams is renowned worldwide as the oldest pewtersmiths of its kind, housing the largest collection of brass moulds globally. This family-run business crafts tankards, goblets, pots, and various items found in Brummie homes, regal palaces, prestigious hotels, and the sets of major television shows and films.
Since 1779, the same family has been producing pewter treasures, ranging from tableware to jewellery and collectible trinkets. The company relocated to Birmingham in the 1800s to be at the heart of the nation’s industrial activity.
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In 2026, operating the business in Digbeth involves persuading delivery companies to continue servicing the area-a task complicated by frequent changes to road layouts and ongoing roadworks.
Rebecca Foster, 29, from Selly Oak, represents the eighth generation in the family business. She is one of four directors, working alongside her father Steve, cousin Sam, and uncle David. Embracing modern technology, Rebecca promotes the brand to younger audiences through platforms such as TikTok, highlighting the family spirit that has sustained AE Williams for nearly 250 years.
Despite AE Williams’ global reputation as a premier pewter manufacturer, the family feels increasingly unwelcome in Digbeth. Steve Foster, aged 59, who grew up learning the trade and working in the factory, expresses his concerns plainly: “We’re being forced out.”
Highlighting the area’s past as a manufacturing centre, Rebecca notes the contrast with current developments: “This used to be a real manufacturing hub. Over there, you’ve got the Custard Factory but up here things have changed.”
Steve adds, “Bus gates stopping access near the markets mean you have to take long detours, causing gridlock across Digbeth. Delivery drivers have already refused to come up here, which poses serious challenges for us.”
He reflects on Digbeth’s evolving identity, recalling the city’s rich industrial history and recent events that have brought Birmingham global attention, such as Ozzy Osbourne concerts, the Commonwealth Games, the Peaky Blinders film, and the upcoming Invictus Games.
“It’s a shame the local council doesn’t celebrate this heritage as we would like. Instead, it feels like we’re being strangled,” Steve says. “Access to and from the city has become difficult. Wholesale markets, known for the freshest fish delivered overnight, have been lost. What’s replacing them? More flats, just like everywhere else.”
Asked if Birmingham remains the industrial heart of England, Steve’s answer is unequivocal: “No. Not at all.”
When asked what sustains their motivation, Steve credits their loyal workforce: “The staff have stood by us through the years. Our loyalty to them is what keeps us going.”
The future of AE Williams remains uncertain. Without increased support for Birmingham’s manufacturing sector and Digbeth’s industrial heritage, it is unlikely the business will continue at Well Street for another two centuries.