Top ten oldest UK companies

by Real Business - Monday, 21st April 2008 -

When it comes to the oldest UK companies, family businesses are well represented. Read the list below and see for yourself.

1. The Shore Porters’ Society
Established in 1498, this Aberdeen co-operative claims to be the oldest established transport contractor in the world.

2. Brooke’s Mill
Founded as a wool cloth mill in 1541 by the Brooke family, John Brooke and Sons Ltd is believed to be the oldest surviving family business in the UK. The Mills now house a Heritage Office Park.

3. Whitechapel Bell Foundry
Britain’s oldest manufacturing company (Guinness Book of Records) – established in 1570. Birthplace of Big Ben.

4. R Durtnell & Sons Ltd
Britain’s oldest building company, established in 1591.The first house built by John Durtnell and his brother, Brian, for their father – in 1593 – still stands today.

5. Tissimans
Established in 1601 as tailor, draper and undertaker, in Bishop’s Stortford. The oldest part of its current premises dates from c.1360.

6. Robert Noble
Weaver in Scotland since 1666, including tartans for the Scottish regiments as early as the 1880s. Also designed fabrics for the English Houses of Parliament.

7. Spink
Founded by John Spink in London in 1666 as a goldsmith and pawnbroker’s, later becoming a rare coin and stamp dealer, and medal producer.

8. C Hoare & Co
Private bank founded in 1672, still owned and managed by the Hoare family.

9. Mornflake Oats Ltd
Founded in 1675, in South Cheshire, milling oats and cereals.

10. James Lock & Co Ltd
Founded in 1676, it has the “widest selection of ladies’ and gentlemen’s headwear in the world”.

Source: IBM publication Now we are 100 in association with the CBI
Picture source

WHAT NEXT?
Sign up for our newsletter and get our weekly pick of business news in your inbox!
Subscribe to our magazine for in depth interviews and advice from leading entrepreneurs!
Join our forum and talk business with other entrepreneurs!