Gilberts (Blackpool) limited is one of the UK’s leading designers and manufacturers of grilles, diffusers, louvres, smoke/fire dampers and natural ventilation systems for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry. Privately owned, the company was originally established in 1960 by Gil Haslam when he returned from Canada to set up business supplying and installing domestic warm air heating systems.
Simpsons Beverages are pioneers in the science, art, and innovation of flavours for drinks brands and companies. Always at the forefront of emerging trends, they combine expertise and experience to help their customers become first movers in their categories. The business was established in Blackpool in 1934 by sole trader William Herbert Simpson, initially focusing on selling natural fruit squashes door-to-door. Over the next three decades, this operation expanded into a substantial delivery network spanning from Fleetwood, across the Fylde, to Preston. By the 1970s, in response to shifting market conditions, Simpsons sold its delivery arm and redirected its focus… Read more »
The business was established by James Brearley in 1919, when he would frequent various gentlemen’s clubs throughout the Fylde coast, obtaining share orders from his clients, before heading off to place these on a weekly basis at the Manchester Regional Stock Exchange. James Brearley has a proud history of providing investment management and share dealing services to both private and professional clients for over 100 years. As one of the North of England’s leading Investment Managers & Stockbrokers, they employ over 60 people in four locations: • Primary. Walpole House, Unit 2, Burton Road. Blackpool, FY4 4NW • 7 South Preston Office… Read more »
The Rockin’ Vickers were a vibrant English rock and roll band from Blackpool, active from 1963 to 1968. Known for their high-energy live performances and unique stage presence, they are perhaps most famous for launching the career of Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister, later of Motörhead fame, who was then known as Ian Willis. The band went through a few name changes before settling on “The Rockin’ Vickers” to increase their chances of securing gigs and a record contract. Originally called Rev Black and the Rockin’ Vicars, they shortened the name to the Rockin’ Vicars before finally adopting the “Rockin’ Vickers” moniker…. Read more »
Ameon Utilities, originally founded in 1996, became incorporated with a registered office in Blackpool in August 2008. Since its establishment, the company has grown into one of the most successful medium-sized businesses in the sector, boasting a turnover nearing £70 million and maintaining strong client retention rates above industry standards. Ameon provides a wide range of services, including mechanical, electrical, and environmental solutions, alongside utilities for both new builds and refurbishments. The company operates across the North West and beyond, with a highly skilled workforce of around 300 staff, enabling them to respond quickly and effectively to client needs. Ameon’s… Read more »
In 1959, Glasdon, a small company, made a pioneering move by selling a “halt” sign made from plastic to a local authority, marking an early use of low-maintenance, long-lasting plastic material in road signage. This innovation demonstrated the potential of plastic as a more durable and cost-effective alternative to traditional materials. Glasdon continued to build on this innovative approach, focusing on product design and environmental and safety solutions. Today, it is a market leader in supplying road signs, street furniture, and other environmental products, consistently leading the field with cutting-edge, low-maintenance designs. This information about Glasdon’s founding and early product… Read more »
The first Burton’s biscuits were baked by George Burton (born 1829, Leek, Staffordshire), who began production on Corporation Street, Blackpool. The Burton’s Biscuits firm was founded by George’s grandson, Joseph Burton, in 1935. It had a factory in Slough, Berkshire, until the early 1980s, manufacturing potato crisps and snacks, including Potato Puffs and Fish ‘n’ Chips savoury snacks. In 2014, Burton’s re-launched their Fish ‘n’ Chips snacks due to popular demand. In 2000, the business was sold by Associated British Foods to Hicks Muse Tate & Furst. On 18 March 2007, Burton’s was acquired by Duke Street Capital.[6] In September 2009,… Read more »
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 »
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 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 »