25 Years of Wex | Wex Photo Video

Wex Photo Video turns 25!

We can’t quite believe where all the time has gone, but Wex has reached the grand old age of 25. A lot has changed for us since our humble beginnings in Norwich, including a couple of rebrands, several iterations of our website, multiple new store launches and a good few awards, but the one thing that has remained constant is our dedication to serving passionate photographers (and, more recently, filmmakers, stargazers, audiophiles, birdwatchers, studio managers, drone operators…) across the UK. As we enter our second quarter of a century, we are hosting a range of activity to celebrate all the things that have made us who we are.

History of Wex Photo Video Timeline

1997

Howard Utting launches Warehouse Express following success with the Uttings brand, specialising in Optics, Telescopes and Cameras
A Norwich contact centre opened, managing all customer enquiries

2000

A new website launched allowing customers to view products and prices, as well as place orders online

2002

Digital Cameras grew in popularity and camera sales at Warehouse Express overtook all other product categories
Voted independent Retailer of the Year by readers of Practical Photography magazine (and again in 2003 and 2004)

2005

Readers of Digital Photo and Practical Photography magazines voted Warehouse Express as the Best Online Retailer at Gear of the Year Awards
Howard Utting sold his majority stake of the business to Barclays Ventures and moved away from day-to-day operations

2006

New management team introduced together with a new London office
The business expanded into the corporate and insurance sectors with the creation of its own B2B sales team
Warehouse Express listed in Sunday Times Fast Track 100
Voted Best Online Retailer at Gear of the Year Awards (again) and Online Retailer of the Year at the Pixel Trade Awards

2007

The company invested in bricks and mortar and opened its first showroom, based in Norwich
Awards continued to flood in - Voted Best Online Retailer at Gear of the Year and Online Retailer of the Year at the Pixel Trade Awards – the third year running

2008

Warehouse Express targets non-UK customers with the launch of its new German-language website
The Showroom moved to the UK’s largest Photographic Showroom at over 4,000 square feet, based in Norwich

2011

Warehouse Express rebranded as Wex Photographic to highlight its credentials and focus within the photography market

2014

New services launched - Wex Photographic offer customers the option to Trade-in equipment
As a result, the brand entered the second-hand market, selling cameras and lenses
wexphotographic.com achieved a Which? Recommended Provider for Electrical Products, receiving a customer score of 91%

2015

Company expansion with the acquisition of Fixation – the photographic repair specialist, founded in 1988
Repair and rental services continued from its London base

2016

Investment firm Aurelius acquired Calumet International - a holding company comprising both the Calumet Photographic brand and professional lighting producer, Bowens Lighting

2017

Aurelius announced it had acquired Wex Photographic, and merged with Calumet Photographic
In September, the two businesses were rebranded in the UK as Wex Photo Video and offered a new Omnichannel solution, consisting of 8 stores, the Contact Centre and its website
The new Wex Rental service was launched online and instore
The new Wex Photo Video website was launched
A new flagship store, covering 7,000sq ft opened its doors in Whitechapel, London

2018

Further retail investment with the refurbishment of its Belfast, Bristol and Manchester stores, the later including its event and seminar space
Wex Photo Video recognised in 2018 Which? Online UK Retailer Survey for best customer service

2019

2019 Which? consumer survey named Wex Photo Video in its survey for best customer service - rated number one for service, value for money and product choice

2020

Wex Photo Video announced a further retail expansion with Milton Keynes and Birmingham store openings
The first store to open was the new 3752sq ft showroom at 100 Hagley Road, Birmingham – which was a relocation of a previous store in the city
The 3000sq ft Milton Keynes store was entirely new, located in the hub of the town
The brand became the most trusted camera retailer having surpassed 25K reviews on Trustpilot
Wex Photo Video served its one-millionth customer

2021

A new 3,000sq ft store, opened in Leeds mid Spring 2021
A brand new store in Newcastle opened Oct 2021

2022

May saw the grand opening of the new Glasgow store – the largest photography store in Scotland

Wex Ambassador Network

VIEW

Alongside the people and brands who have shaped Wex over the last 25 years, a major factor in our longevity has been the talented professionals with whom we've collaborated. To celebrate the fantastic community we've built, we’re launching our first ambassador programme. Throughout the year, the Wex Ambassador Network will be promoting and supporting six incredible creatives through their endeavours. Check our website and social channels for a range of content offering practical advice, unique insight and inspiration from a diverse group of photographers and filmmakers.

Wex Photo Video | Celebrating 25 Years of Excellent Service

25th Anniversary Store Events

To thank you, our esteemed customers, for the dedication and support you’ve given us over the last 25 years, we are hosting a series of special anniversary events at all stores across the country. Head to your nearest Wex Photo Video for a day of exclusive offers, impartial advice, product demos and inspiring talks, supported by all your favourite brands and a selection of leading industry figures.