4 More Amazing Manchester Businesses
Earlier this year, we looked at a selection of Manchester-based businesses that have become powerhouses in their chosen fields, and who continue to set the pace over their rivals. The problem we had in writing our last blog was leaving out dozens of businesses who also deserve mention for what they’ve achieved, and how they’ve positively contributed to the economy of Manchester. In this post, we want to share the inspiring stories of 4 more Manchester businesses, which may inspire you to begin your entrepreneurial journey within the same city.
Henri Lloyd
You’ve probably heard of Henri Lloyd, and might even own an item or two of the Manchester-grown attire, but you might not know the fascinating story behind the brand.
Henri-Lloyd was founded in 1963 in Manchester by Henri Strzelecki, a Polish soldier who moved to Manchester to study textiles during the war, alongside his business partner Angus Lloyd. A soldier in the Polish Army during World War II, Strzelecki was awarded both Polish and British military medals in 1946.
Henri Lloyd pioneered and incorporated the use of Gore-Tex waterproofing, which went through over 22,000 hours of round-the-world testing at sea before it was first sold to its customers.
Henri Lloyd oilskins were worn by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston when he became the first man to perform a ‘single-handed non-stop circumnavigation of the globe’ in 1969
Henri Lloyd now sits alongside the likes of Fred Perry, Lyle & Scott and Burberry as one of the most recognisable brands in the British clothing industry.
The great test for a brand’s visibility is if people can tell the company from the logo alone, and Henri Lloyd’s wreath logo certainly passes that test.
Patak’s
Patak’s story didn’t begin in Manchester, but when the company moved to the region, the company’s growth really set off.
Patak’s now supplies 75 per cent of British curry houses with sauces and mixed spices, and sells ready meals to all the major UK supermarkets. It’s not just a U.K. affair, as Patak’s also supplies major retailers throughout Europe and North America.
The company was started in 1957 by Gujarati Brahmin Laxmishanker G. When he arrived in the U.K. from Kenya with his wife, four sons and two daughters, Gujarati had only £5 in his pocket. Patak‘s was sold to Associated British Foods on 30 May 2007 for £200 million. Now that’s an entrepreneur!
A-nd
A-nd are a much smaller brand than Henri Lloyd and Patak’s, as 99.9% of businesses are, but we wanted to include them as they are clearly going places. Set up by creative duo Abi Carpe and Dan Gregson, Manchester-based commercial interior design studio A-nd is a definite one-to-watch!
This year A-nd took on the challenge of furnishing a one-bed apartment at Capital & Centric’s owner-occupier community at Phoenix with a budget of just £1,000. The results were met with critical acclaim. Take a look here for yourself.
The team also just furnished the show apartment at Capital & Centric’s Crusader Mill, also in Piccadilly East in Manchester. A-nd turns to a range of trusted local suppliers to furniture the property, which again gets out vote, as we aim to do the same in our student homes.
Rolls Royce
Rolls Royce has gone on great things in its glorious history of over 100 years. Everyone knows it’s the best of the best when it comes to car making. What you may not know is that it all started here in Manchester.
Henry Royce started an electrical and mechanical business in 1884. Before we met Charles Rolls, he made his first car, a two-cylinder Royce 10, in his Manchester factory in 1904. Henry was then introduced to Charles at the Midland Hotel, Manchester on 4 May of that year.
Rolls was impressed with the Royce 10, and the pair went on to strike an agreement where Rolls agreed to take all the cars Royce could make. Rolls Royce was born. The rest, they say, is history.
There are many fantastic businesses in Manchester. If there are any that you would like us to write about, please let us know, and we’ll add them to our future lists.
