Series

Founded: 1953Founder(s): Charlie and Jean MacsweenCurrently owned by: James Macsween Charlie and Jean Macsween met when they were working at Orr’s butcher in Edinburgh. When Mr Orr died they were encouraged to set up their own business by Mr Orr’s daughter, who gave them a £5,000 loan. They opened their first shop in 1953 and […]

Founded: 1690Founders: The Field familyCurrently owned by: Charles, Christine and Jeremy Field It’s fair to say that C.P.J Field & Co Ltd has some history. The original family firm was set up in the 17th century, building coffins for use in funerals. The Field family assisted with the arrangement of funerals for high-profile figures such […]

Founded: 1730Founder(s): Juan Famenias FlorisCurrently owned by: Edward Bodenham Floris is the oldest fragrance and toiletries brand in the UK. Founder, Juan Famenias Floris, moved from Menorca to London in search of his fortune, securing premises in St James which he originally set up as a barbershop. But he missed Mediterranean aromas so much that […]

Founded: 1865Founders: William TimpsonCurrently owned by: John Timpson and James Timpson Timpson established in 1865 by William Timpson, great grandfather of current chairman, John Timpson. William opened the first shop in Oldham Street, Manchester. It started by making, selling and repairing shoes but has added key cutting, phone repairs and engraving into its repertoire. It’s […]

Founded: 1905Founder(s): Thomas FentimanCurrently owned by: Eldon Robson Thomas Fentiman, an iron puddler from Cleckheaton in England, was approached by a fellow tradesman for a loan. They struck a deal with Fentiman’s botanically brewed ginger beer as security. The loan was never repaid so Thomas became the owner of the recipe. He’d deliver the drinks […]

Founded: 1954Founder(s): Arnold ClarkCurrently owned by: The Clark family Automobile firm Arnold Clark has been going for over 50 years and was founded by Sir Arnold Clark. Clark was jobless after leaving the RAF in 1954 and, to support himself, started repairing and selling cars, with the first showroom opening in the same year in […]

Founded: 1984Founder(s): Doug and Mary PerkinsCurrently owned by: The Perkins family Husband and wife team Doug and Mary Perkins started the business around a ping pong table in their spare room in 1983, opening their first store a year later. A change in UK regulations meant that, as professional opticians, they could advertise their products […]

If you cook, craft, sculpt or create anything, you could make a couple of quid by selling it. The scope of the handmade market is broad so you should really dig into a niche. It could range from t-shirts to jewellery to pottery – or something quirkier such as cookie/sweet bouquets. For products that customers […]