I wonder what James Miller did in those premises to the rear of Paynes Shoe repairs?
The other photo that I will comment upon is the Islington Row one. The photo shows Foulkes who were furriers and the premises shown are Tudor House, 47 - 49 Islington Row. George and Elizabeth Foulkes were the founders of the company, two other brothers, Richard and Charles were also directors.
The company started in 1927 in Alum Rock Road, Saltley but soon moved to the Islington Row premises and were there until 1963 moving quite close to Calthorpe Road until 1990. Presently there is listed Foulkes Furriers in Ladywood Road. What, if any, connection there is to the original company I cannot say.
The Islington Row premises, as can be seen, was large and contained rooms with a dedicated theme. The place was amazing apparently, full of antiques, stuffed birds and stuffed animals. I wish I had been in there but sadly I never did.
The rather splendid limousine outside the Islington Row premises may have belonged to one f the Foulkes family or a customer of course.