The chairman of Start-rite shoes is to step aside in a move which will see a non-family member lead the firm for the first time in its history.
Peter Lamble, who has run the Norwich-based business for the last 20 years as chief executive and chairman, said he wants to pursue other interests, and the firm is searching for new leadership.
It comes as the shareholders in charge of the 223-year-old firm have decided not to pursue outside investment, and will keep the business under family ownership.
Mr Lamble, 55, said as a shareholder, he had taken the decision from both a personal and business point of view.
He said: 'I can't say it will never come back into the family, but the next generation are aged 18 to 21 and are still finding their own way and I don't want to pressure them.
'It will be a completely new era.'
The father of two, who joined the company 25 years ago after a spell as an accountant, said: 'I am sure it's the right decision but it doesn't mean I don't have a bit of nostalgia.
'It has been a long time. I have been running it for 20 years and would like to do other things as well.
'It's time for some fresh ideas.'
Last year Start-rite, which last manufactured shoes in Norwich 10 years ago, announced a drive to find external investors in a bid to break into the Chinese market. But Mr Lamble said the shareholders, made up of about 50 people who are members of the same extended family, were not prepared to give up its Norwich base, and had decided to keep the firm in the family.
Instead a potential partnership has been identified. 'We think we can do what we were hoping without losing control of the business,' he said.
'We continue to trade steadily, are still profitable and still generating cash. These management changes are nothing to do with some tragedy in the trade figures. Business is still really stable but now we need to decide how we push it on.'
Start-rite's parent company, James Southall and Company, saw turnover inch up 1.3pc to £24.4m in 2014, up from £24.1m the year before, for the year ending December 27. Pre-tax profits fell from £841,000 in 2013 to £635,000 over the same period
The company, which employs 180 people, said a disappointing development in 2014 was a decision by Harrods not to renew the its One Small Step concession in the store.
However a new children's footwear concession will stock Start-rite shoes in Harrods, and also Selfridges.
Online sales were up 35pc, and now make up 10pc of all retail sales.
Overseas business saw a lift thanks to a recent Australian venture.
A further rise in the sale of traditional-style shoes has come from the Royal Family, who has chosen Start-rite for Prince George.
'It is a great endorsement,' said Mr Lamble. 'Even if people don't buy the shoes today it puts Start-rite in their minds.'
And advertising has shifted in the past few years, with commercials now targeted at children rather than their parents.
Mr Lamble said: 'Twenty five years ago parents were making the decisions but now that cut off is about four years old.
'For school shoes we are targeting the child, but for first shoes it's still a parental decision. We are having to target two different groups.
'Our competitors are doing the same.'
Most shoes are manufactured in India, which Mr Lamble said produces softer leather, with the more expensive range made in Spain.
Have you got a business story? Call Sabah Meddings on 01603 772879 or email sabah.meddings@archant.co.uk
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