Siblings fight over the 132-year legacy of the family business

A brother-sister duo from Dorking have revealed how they put aside sibling feuds to help their business survive the decline on the high street.

Liz and Andrew Fuller are fourth-generation principals of SC Fuller, a company located on the city's South Street since 1892 that sells country clothing and outdoor sports equipment, including licensed firearms.

The downtown area, plagued by store closures, has struggled in recent years, made worse by a sinkhole that temporarily closed West Street.

But the defiant Fullers said they were not afraid of the future.

“We survive because we sell different products, products that are lifestyle and also products that serve a specific purpose,” Andrew, a licensed firearms dealer, told BBC Radio Surrey.

“We offer personal advice, we offer a good selection of products. We also offer repairs and maintenance, which many people don't do.

“You can’t get that on the internet.”

When it comes to business, these siblings admit that working with a sibling is “challenging.”

“When you're together in business, whatever is said, whatever happens, you just have to say, 'You know what, we have to agree to disagree,'” Liz said.

“And we just keep going because there’s nothing else we can do.”

Among the waxed jackets and fishing gear are photos of SW Fuller, her great-grandfather, who founded the company.

“The business has evolved. But we have now returned to the niche a bit,” said Liz.

The store has survived wartime, economic turmoil and even a pandemic. But the family isn't sure who will take the reins next.

“We've come this far and done what we had to do and we'll just see where it takes us,” Liz said.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook and further X Submit your story ideas [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.

Related stories

Related internet links