This walk is derived from Tom’s book ‘The Business of History’ which largely focuses on companies that began in the Victorian era. Of the 32 companies (almost all of which are household names) four started pre-1800 and three in the early 20th century. Throughout this period many family-owned companies got bigger (and bigger), company regulation started to make its mark and shareholding by investors blossomed.
But these entrepreneurs were far from Establishment people! Many such as Lever, Cadbury, Hartley (jam), even the brewer Bass, became renowned philanthropists.
Many of their premises are no more. However, we’ll see the publisher Newnes’ clock, Waring’s hotel interiors, the site of Schweppes’ first factory and several sites associated with Lyons and WHSmith. We’ll marvel at Mudie’s 1860 Circulating Library, the tenacity of Odham’s printers, the advertising genius of Pear’s soap and more!
Tom Levitt is the author of ‘The Business of History’ A former science teacher and Member of Parliament, he has been a consultant on sustainable business since 2010. He’s now based at the University of West London.
Meeting Place: Charing Cross Station, Villiers Street.
Image: Lyons’ Strand Palace Hotel in The Strand (1909)