Tag: Entrepreneurs

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), originally founded as the National Federation of the Self-Employed (NFSE) in 1974, has its roots in Blackpool and a response to government tax changes. The organisation was created by Norman Small in Lytham St Annes as a direct reaction to the introduction of the Class 4 National Insurance contributions, which added extra taxes on the self-employed and small business owners. Small invited affected individuals to a meeting in his hometown, where he proposed the creation of an organisation to represent self-employed workers and sole traders. This meeting was the beginning of a movement that… Read more »

Chadwicks Timber has a rich history that is deeply intertwined with the development of Blackpool and the wider Fylde Coast. Established in 1896, Chadwicks built its reputation over more than a century by providing high-quality materials and exceptional service to builders, tradespeople, and the local community. By 1956, the company had relocated to its iconic site on Mowbray Drive, where it became a cornerstone of Blackpool’s construction industry. Initially focused on timber, Chadwicks expanded over the decades into a multifaceted builders’ merchant with seven distinct departments. These included not only timber and sheet materials but also hardware, ironmongery, kitchens, bathrooms,… Read more »

Thompson Contracts Blackpool Ltd was founded in 2008 by brothers Matthew and Joseph Thompson. Initially targeting pubs, breweries, and leisure facilities, the company quickly grew in reputation and scope. After two years of operations, they relocated from a single unit on a business park to Dales Farm, where they established their Head Office and workshops. This move marked the beginning of their expansion into new sectors, including service stations, hospitals, hotels, railway stations, and airports. Between 2016 and 2018, Thompson Contracts further broadened its portfolio, taking on projects within the retail sector and for football clubs. However, in 2019, the…

Casdon Toys was founded on June 8, 1946, by Thomas Cassidy with the vision to create toys that would spark children’s imagination and promote their development through play. Today, it remains a family-owned and managed business, now in its third generation, under the leadership of Phil and Peter Cassidy. The company’s journey began in a modest shed in the backyard of Thomas’s Blackpool home. As a skilled toolmaker, Thomas started by crafting molds to produce miniature, decorative items aimed at children. In order to fund his toy-making venture, he also repaired vacuum cleaners in his spare time. The name “Casdon”… Read more »

Blackpool Selfstore, once the largest self-storage operator in the area, was acquired by Storage King in 2021. Prior to its acquisition, Blackpool Selfstore had established a strong presence in the region, offering extensive storage solutions to both individuals and businesses. The facility, located at 20 Clifton Road in the Tellcom Business Centre, first opened its doors in 2005. With 30,100 square feet of storage space, it was designed with room for future expansion to accommodate the growing demand for storage services. David Ireland, the original founder of Blackpool Selfstore, played a pivotal role in the development of the facility. He… Read more »

Febland Group Ltd has been a cornerstone of the British retail and distribution landscape for over 70 years. Established in 1952, the company began its journey under the leadership of Dexter Febland, whose family legacy in the business continues to this day. As the company grew, challenges arose, particularly in the safe and efficient importation of highly detailed and delicate pieces from Italy. To address these challenges, in 1965, Dexter’s father, Anthony Febland, founded Febland Italiana, a haulage business with offices and warehousing in Novara, Italy. This enabled the company to better manage the export of cargo to Italy and… Read more »