From Morley to the Caribbean: A Yorkshireman's life's journey comes full circle

A Caribbean-based founder of internationally acclaimed brands has returned to his Yorkshire roots. Maurice Widdowson, founder of Caribelle Batik and Old Road Rum, recently visited his home county on a whistlestop tour that included a sentimental return to Dewsbury Market - the very place his career began some 70 years ago.

- By Zach Greaves Contributor

A Caribbean-based founder of internationally acclaimed brands has returned to his Yorkshire roots. Maurice Widdowson, founder of Caribelle Batik and Old Road Rum, recently visited his home county on a whistlestop tour that included a sentimental return to Dewsbury Market - the very place his career began some 70 years ago.

A lifelong Leeds United fan, Maurice's first job at 14 was on a market stall in Dewsbury on Saturdays, going on to work in locations across West and South Yorkshire.

In his early 20s he joined Littlewoods, rising through the ranks to become Assistant General Manager of their flagship store in Oxford Street, London. But he sought new adventure and opportunity, joining international conglomerate Bookers to run 127 rural shops across Zambia.