Tag: Entrepreneurs

Founded in 1952, HTI is one of the UK’s largest independent designers and manufacturers of children’s toys, with a long-standing reputation for supplying some of the world’s biggest retailers. The company operates globally, with offices and showrooms in the UK, Hong Kong, Germany, Holland, and China. HTI has a clear vision to become the first choice for high-quality, innovative toys, aiming to provide children worldwide with the opportunity to grow and have fun through imaginative play. The company began its journey as David Halsall Ltd, initially supplying UK-made toys and fireworks. A key turning point came in 1968 when Graham… Read more »

Smiths Equipment Hire was officially established as a separate company in 1970, emerging from the family’s longstanding coal merchant and haulage business, Birchfield Haulage Ltd. Over the decades, Smiths has flourished, becoming one of the largest independent hire companies in the Northwest of England, with a reputation for reliability and innovation in the equipment hire sector. In 1998, Smiths expanded by opening a depot in Preston, followed by a sixth depot in Blackburn in 2001. A significant turning point came in 2004, when the Preston depot relocated to a prominent 6,000-square-foot facility along the main A6 road. This new site,… Read more »

In 1947, Reg and Kay Chelsom established their small antique lighting shop in Blackpool, naming it The Golden Age. Initially focusing on antique lighting, the couple quickly expanded to three shops and began manufacturing reproduction period lighting. These pieces were distributed to retailers and interior designers across the UK. Their son, Robert Chelsom, now the Chairman, took over the business in the 1970s and propelled the company to prominence within the hospitality lighting industry. Since 2006, Robert’s son, Will Chelsom, has played a pivotal role, particularly in expanding the company’s presence in the marine lighting sector and increasing exports, which… Read more »

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.

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 »