There are over 200 years of Gunmaking behind the famous name of William Powell whose name engraved on a shotgun is accepted as a sign of quality throughout the world.

In 1802 William Powell and Joseph Simmons went into business together in High Street, Birmingham, William Powell as the business head and Joseph Simmons the Gunsmith. The partnership was brief, by 1812 Joseph Simmons was dead. His vault in St Phillips Cathedral churchyard bears the inscription "Master Gunsmith in the Borough of Birmingham". After acquiring additional premises in Bartholomew Street, it was very evident that a larger factory was required and in 1860 land was purchased in Carrs Lane in the City Centre, and a five storey building erected. The Company still operate from this magnificent Victorian building and is today governed by David and Peter Powell, the 5th generation and direct descendants of William Powell.

Without doubt Powells took part in the manufacture of firearms for the Napoleonic Wars, not being concluded until Napolean's defeat at Waterloo in 1815. In the aftermath of the wars in Europe, the gun trade suffered a slight recession but business picked up with the enormous demand for guns as a result of the American Civil War. Before the end of this conflict they patented the first of their inventions. In 1864 the Powell patent Snap Action appeared which enjoyed a long period of popularity and many guns employing this system are still in use. In 1866  an ingenious half cocking mechanism was patented and three years later Powells invented a system to indicate when the gun was loaded.

William Powell currently produce three shotguns of the highest possible quality. In addition to which their Heritage series, which combine the skills of English, Spanish and Italian craftsmen, now also enjoy worldwide demand.

William Powell's retail shop draws clients from all over the country and indeed the world. Apart from sporting guns and shooting accessories, there is a large fishing tackle department stocking the world's leading brands. Their country clothing department stock the full range of Barbour jackets, an extensive range of Moleskin, Tweeds and Gore-Tex clothing and an exclusive range of Loden clothing from Austria and Germany for both Ladies and Gentlemen. Their gift selection solves many a problem when buying for the sporting person.