Tag: Entrepreneurs

Ribby Hall Village & Spa Hotel

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Twenty-five years ago, the Harrison family began developing what has since become one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations. In the mid-1990s, they acquired a partly developed, dilapidated caravan site in Wrea Green, Lancashire. At the time, the 100-acre plot contained a few rundown caravans and some old cowsheds, but its potential was undeniable. Today, Ribby Hall Village, still under the ownership of the Harrison family, welcomes over a million visitors annually and has become a favourite for families, individuals, and businesses alike. The transformation of Ribby Hall Village began in 1994 with the construction of 175 cottages, 350… Read more »

Valeo Confectionery Continues Blackpool’s Sweet Legacy

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If you’re curious why a Pontefract-based company with a presence on Vicarage Lane appears in Blackpool’s timeline, it stems from its historical connection to Clifton Road, once home to Daintee Confectionery, a renowned Blackpool company. Over time, the UK arm of Toms Confectionery acquired Daintee along with Taveners and Parrs between 1992 and 2001, eventually rebranding as Tangerine Confectionery. Tangerine itself changed ownership multiple times and, in August 2018, was acquired by Valeo Foods. By December 2019, the company’s name officially became Valeo Confectionery. In January 2006, Toms Confectionery rebranded following its purchase by a management team from Toms International… Read more »

Daintee Confectionery’s Blackpool Start

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Daintee Chocolate Confectionery Company (Blackpool) Ltd was founded by three brothers, Stanley, Fred and Roy Kitt in 1927. Its first premises were in Crystal Road, Blackpool, moving to 20/22 Lune Grove shortly afterwards. The Kitt family had been making sugar confectionery in Plymouth, London and Bridgend since the 1850s and the boys father, William Edward, had taken on the position of manager of Paige’s Mints on Henry Street in 1924 when the family moved to Blackpool. At the age of 16, Stanley had been employed as the youngest first hand sugar-boiler at Waller & Hartley sweets which was at that time on… Read more »

Booths Supermarket Started as China House

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Edwin Henry Booth (1828–1899) was a pioneering English entrepreneur who founded Booths, a family-owned supermarket chain renowned for its quality and innovation. Born in Bury, Lancashire, he was orphaned by the age of 11 and ran away from home. At just 19, Booth secured an £80 loan to open his first shop, The China House, in Blackpool in 1847. This marked the beginning of a retail legacy. By 1855, Booth had opened a second shop in Chorley, and with the relaxation of UK licensing laws, he expanded into selling wine and liquor. The added profitability enabled further expansion, leading to… Read more »

Frank Taylor of Taylor Woodrow

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Taylor Woodrow was created from the work of Frank Taylor and his uncle, Jack Woodrow. Frank was born in Hadfield, near Glossop in Derbyshire in 1905 and started working in the family fruit wholesaling business when they moved to Blackpool. In 1921, at the age of 16, he persuaded his father that he could build a house for the family to live in. Frank borrowed money off his uncle Woodrow and a friendly bank manager and built two houses. One was intended for his father and the other his uncle at 347 and 349 Central Drive, but the family members… Read more »

Tony Prosser’s Realtime Dream

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Tony’s deep passion for computer graphics and animation inspired him to establish RealtimeUK in 1996, with the vision of creating a leading creative studio—a dream he has successfully realised. His journey began during his studies in Technical Illustration at Blackpool and The Fylde College, where he discovered his love for computer graphics. Motivated by this newfound interest, Tony dedicated his focus to CGI, eventually graduating and taking a bold leap into entrepreneurship with a £4,000 loan from his mother. He wasn’t alone in this venture; Steve Kerswell and Jon Clayton, fellow graduates from the same Technical Illustration course, joined him… Read more »

Peter Chelsom’s First Feature Film

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Peter Chelsom, born on 20 April 1956 in St Annes on the Fylde Coast, to antiques shop owners Kay and Reginald Chelsom, is a renowned film director, writer, and actor. Educated at Wrekin College (1969–1973) and the Central School of Drama in London, Chelsom has crafted a remarkable career spanning acting and filmmaking. Holding dual citizenship in the United Kingdom and the United States, he is also an Honorary Citizen of Fivizzano, a small town in Tuscany, and a member of respected organisations such as the British Academy, the American Academy, the Directors Guild of America, and the Writers Guild… Read more »

The Start of Jaguar Cars in Blackpool

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Sir William Lyons was a pivotal figure in the British automotive industry and co-founder of the Jaguar car company. He was born on 4 September 1901 in Blackpool and attended Arnold School. From there he obtained an engineering apprenticeship at Crossley Motors in Manchester, where he also studied at the technical school. Lyons played a crucial role in shaping the design and engineering of some of the 20th century’s most iconic cars. He began his career by co-founding the Swallow Sidecar Company in 1922 with William Walmsley. Their first factory, located at No. 5 Bloomfield Road, was home to the Swallow Sidecar… Read more »

Coastal Radio Local Business Awards

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The inaugural Coastal Radio LBA (Local Business Awards) in 2024 was a resounding success, setting the stage for what promises to become an annual highlight in the region’s business calendar. The event was made possible by the incredible support of Coastal Radio’s headline sponsor, Danbro Business Solutions and Financial Planning, alongside the invaluable contributions of the other 24 category sponsors, all of whom played a vital role in bringing the awards to life. A heartfelt thank you was extended to every sponsor, partner, and supplier involved in the event. Without their commitment and dedication, this celebration of local business excellence… Read more »

The Enterprise Vision Awards

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The Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAs) are one of the most prestigious business awards for women in the UK, celebrating the achievements, talents, and entrepreneurial spirit of women in business across a range of industries. Founded in 2010, the awards aim to inspire and showcase the success of women who have shown exceptional leadership, innovation, and success in their respective fields. The event is particularly significant for highlighting the contributions of women in business and empowering them to continue making strides in a traditionally male-dominated arena. Each year, the Enterprise Vision Awards bring together a diverse range of female entrepreneurs, leaders,… Read more »