Tag: Entrepreneurs

Dorothy Kavanagh’s Busy Doll Shop on Caunce Street

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A shop with living accommodation on the corner of Bucanhan & Caunce Street came up for sale in 1962. Don & Dorothy Kavanagh bought it but it was in a dreadful state. Despite this, they moved in with their two young children Chris and Kathy, and set about renovating it from top to bottom. The shop opened as a general antique shop but it soon became clear that Dorothy loved antique dolls. She spent much of her time buying, selling and learning about dolls and their history. Don dealt more in other items of interest such as art, porcelain &… Read more »

Frank Parkinson Founds F Parkinson & Son Ltd

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The company has a rich history dating back to 1934 and has since gained a reputation for delivering high quality construction projects throughout the North of England, operating from its three regional offices in Blackpool, Manchester and York. The company was founded by Frank Parkinson under the name of ‘F Parkinson & Son’ located on Elizabeth Street in Blackpool. The company began as a family-run business, focusing on local construction projects. Over the years, it expanded its operations and expertise, undertaking various refurbishment, extension, and new build schemes. Today, F Parkinson Ltd operates from regional offices in Blackpool, Manchester, and… Read more »

Beverley Wood Founds BWD Limited

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Beverley Wood founded BWD Limited (also known as Beverley Wood Design Ltd) in 2005. BWD Limited is a commercial interior design firm based in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire. Under Beverley Wood’s leadership as Founder and Creative Director, the company specialises in designing and delivering projects across various sectors, including travel environments, events and exhibitions, retail and hospitality, visitor attractions, office interiors, and urban design schemes. ​The firm offers a comprehensive range of services, from design feasibility studies to full project implementation, and emphasises creating spaces that are both operationally efficient and aesthetically pleasing.​ They offer a full range of design services… Read more »

Fleetwood’s Brown & Jackson Becomes Eric Wright Construction

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Brown and Jackson in Fleetwood was founded in 1923, but was purchased in 1979 by Eric Wright, who changed the company name to Eric Wright Construction. This laid the foundation for what is now the Eric Wright Group (EWG). From those early beginnings, the company has been dedicated to developing a culture of excellence across the sectors of: construction, civil engineering, facilities management, water infrastructure and property development. Underpinned by a genuine belief in the value of establishing long-term relationships with partners and clients, the Group’s unique social focus and continued commercial success has also enabled them to consistently expand… Read more »

Duncan Bannatyne Opens His Health Club in Blackpool

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Bannatyne Health Club in Blackpool opened in early August 2017, coinciding with the launch of a new spa facility that enhanced the club’s offering. The spa includes treatment rooms, manicure and pedicure stations, as well as access to the club’s sauna and other amenities. The health club combines state-of-the-art gym equipment and a broad selection of exercise classes with luxurious swimming pools and spa facilities, creating a balanced environment for both fitness and relaxation. The club is committed to continual investment, ensuring it remains at the forefront of industry trends while providing excellent facilities, modern equipment, and great value to… Read more »

David Boyle Opens Alien, UFO, Spiritual And Paranormal Exhibition

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David Boyle was one of the Fylde coast’s most recognisable figures, often spotted with his partner Julie at club events, arriving in his replica of Jon Pertwee’s Doctor Who car, Bessie. Before gaining local fame, David had already made his mark by founding the model railway company Dapol in the 1970s alongside his late wife, Pauline. Once Dapol was passed on to the next generation, David embarked on a new chapter, relocating to Blackpool where he became a well-known, larger-than-life personality along the iconic Golden Mile. His inventive spirit extended beyond model railways—he held international patents related to solar energy… Read more »

Music Hall Tavern’s Diverse History

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The building, originally a British Gas showroom and now a block of apartments, boasts a fascinating history. Aside from being the second version of the Music Hall Tavern, the other being at Yates Wine Lodge, the site also became home to the Joe Longthorne Theatre. The site underwent major redevelopment in 2018 and has since been completely renovated to provide 10 high-quality apartments. Four of these apartments offer stunning views of Blackpool Tower, the sea, and the distant fells. The block includes eight two-bedroom apartments, one 2.5-bedroom apartment, and a single one-bedroom apartment. All the apartments are equipped with brand…

Central Picture Theatre, King Edward VII Pub & Picture House and Tudor Bingo

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Constructed in 1913 by Magee, Marshall & Co Ltd, this Edwardian pub originally opened as the Central Picture Theatre on 11th July 1913. It was rebranded as the King Edward Picture Palace in 1914. When the King Edward Cinema opened its doors in July 1913, it was first known as the Central Picture Theatre—a name that remains visible in cream terracotta on the grand, curved gable that rises above Central Drive, at the junction with Read’s Avenue. This was in the early days of silent cinema, and from the outset, the King Edward sought to establish itself as ‘the finest… Read more »

Blackpool’s Duple Launches Dartline Coaches

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H. V. Burlingham was a British coachbuilding business based in Blackpool, from 1928 until 1960, when they were taken over by London-based rivals Duple Motor Bodies. Duple initially renamed Burlingham as Duple (Northern) but in 1969 they closed their Hendon factory and concentrated production in Blackpool. Duple coach bodies were built in the former Burlingham premises until Duple itself was liquidated in 1989. The Blackpool site was best known for producing the ‘Seagull’ bodies in the 1950s. Towards the end of 1961 Bedford introduced the VAS chassis and Duple produced a completely new design – the Bella Vista – for… Read more »

‘King Billy’ Greenwood Opens First Tudor Bingo

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‘King Billy’ Greenwood, entrepreneur and self-made businessman, from Knott End to Fleetwood, and Blackpool’s Tudor Bingo Empire that made him a Millionaire in the swinging 1960s! William David Greenwood (1915-1991), always known as Billy, was born in Blackpool. His parents, Agnes and Harold, lived on Fenton Road, where they brought up their family including Billy’s two sisters Annie and May, along with younger brother Harry. Billy’s father worked for the railway at Blackpool’s Central Station and was on two occasions given the prestigious responsibility of commanding the Royal Train. Billy as a young man was always seeking his fortune and… Read more »