About Us

Havens was established in 1901 and has been in the ownership of the same family for over 120 years.  In 2023 Nigel and his brother Paul decided that the time had come to retire and hand the business over to new owners who would respect the values and standards that have always been a key part of the Havens culture. Simon and Janet Willis are delighted to have been able to acquire the Havens mail order and online business and aim to carry on the traditions that have made it a much loved and trusted business.  It will run alongside their existing business Goviers of Sidmouth, specialists in collectables, commemoratives and giftware,

All of us here love beautiful things and are excited to work with the existing Havens suppliers and to find new and interesting companies to bring fresh and unique ranges to our offering.

Simon has worked in the ceramics industry for over 30 years, having initially intended to make the motor industry his career, Denby Tableware hooked him and then Royal Doulton, Minton, Caithness and Royal Crown Derby reeled him in. Escaping from the lure of beautiful things has been impossible!

Janet was for many years a teacher and retired thinking that was the end of work for her but oh no! In 2019 they acquired Goviers of Sidmouth another icon of the industry and have spent the last four years developing the business and putting together a fantastic team to work with them.  The whole team are excited to be working with new ranges and new customers and hope that we can maintain the standards that Nigel and Paul have set.  Our offices are in Stone in Staffordshire, close to the heart of The Potteries where many of our suppliers are based.


There are a number of changes to ordering as you might expect. We hope that the phone number will be transferred across to us but if not we will be ready to accept calls on 01538 807 178.  Our new web site is a work in progress with key ranges being uploaded initially and more ranges being added as fast as we can.  If there is something you don’t see then please give us a ring or drop us a line; info@havensofwestcliff.co.uk

The phone lines will open Monday to Friday 9 until 5. If possible someone will always answer the phone if it rings but if you get through to the answering service please leave us a message and we will get back to you.


We are always open to ideas and requests so please do get in touch with us.
Yours

Simon & Janet Willis
Goviers of Sidmouth Limited, trading as Havens.