Dudley MP, Sonia Kumar has visited Edward Grays of Dudley to mark the company’s 200th year in business and has raised concerns in Parliament about the pressures facing small manufacturers.
Founded in 1826, Teddy Grays has been run by five generations of the same family, producing traditional hard-boiled sweets, toffees, fudges, and ice cream from its factory in Dudley, close to Dudley Zoo and the Black Country Living Museum.
Its iconic Grays Herbal Tablets are still made using traditional copper pots and a closely guarded recipe.
During her visit, Sonia met the team to learn more about the business’s history, its manufacturing process, and the challenges it faces — particularly rising energy and commodity costs, which continue to affect many small, energy-intensive manufacturers.
Ms Kumar also highlighted Teddy Grays in the House of Commons, marking its bicentenary and pressing Ministers on what more is being done to support small businesses with energy bills.
Responding, the Minister welcomed the question and agreed to meet Sonia to discuss support further, suggesting the discussion take place on site.
Ms Kumar said: “Teddy Grays is part of Dudley’s identity. For 200 years, the same family has kept this business going — creating jobs, passing on skills, and producing sweets that generations of local people have grown up with.
"But even businesses with such deep roots are under real pressure from rising costs. If we want companies like Teddy Grays to enjoy another 200 years of success, we must make sure small manufacturers get the support they need to survive and thrive.
“It was a pleasure to visit the factory, see the traditional methods still in use, and meet the people behind the business. Teddy Grays shows the very best of Dudley; heritage, craftsmanship and resilience. I’ll keep making the case for backing businesses like this at every level.”
Dave Healy a spokesperson for Teddy Grays said -
“We were delighted to welcome Sonia to our factory as we celebrate 200 years of making sweets here in Dudley. We’re proud of our history and grateful for her support in highlighting the challenges facing small manufacturers, particularly rising energy and commodity costs.
"We’re determined to keep trading and look forward to working together to ensure businesses like ours can continue for generations to come.”
The visit comes as Teddy Grays celebrates its bicentenary year, reflecting on two centuries of local entrepreneurship that began with John Gray, who made the sweets for his brother Teddy Gray Senior to sell at local markets and shops around the Midlands. Teddy developed the business which was then taken over by brother and sister Ted and Betty Gray.
The latest custodians of the famous factory are Julie Healy and John Gray who are Ted Gray’s children. They continue to grow the world-famous business to what it is today and are still proud to be making the iconic Herbal Tablets from the original secret recipe, passed down through the generations.
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