Manchester, a vibrant city in the United Kingdom, is renowned for its rich industrial heritage, musical legacy, and thriving business ecosystem. Over the years, Manchester has been a breeding ground for entrepreneurial spirit, leading to the birth of numerous famous companies that have made significant contributions to various industries. From technology and fashion to sports and entertainment, Manchester has been the home of groundbreaking businesses that have left an indelible mark on the world stage. In this article, we will explore some of the most famous companies founded in Manchester.
The Cooperative
Founded in 1844, The Co-operative Group is a renowned consumer cooperative that has its roots firmly embedded in Manchester. Starting as the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers, the company revolutionised the concept of consumer cooperatives, emphasising ethical business practices and fair trade. The Co-operative Group has diversified its operations into various sectors, including retail, banking, funeral services, and energy. It continues to be a prominent cooperative enterprise, promoting values of social responsibility and community development.
JD
The JD Company was established in 1981, initially operating from a small shop in Bury, Manchester. However, their remarkable success propelled them to open a store in the renowned Arndale Centre in Manchester by 1993.
The company’s triumph continued as they ventured into the heart of London’s Oxford Street, prompting them to test their fortunes on the London Stock Exchange in 1996. Within a span of six years, JD had successfully acquired nearly 200 stores, including notable acquisitions like First Sport and Blacks Leisure Group. Moreover, by 2005, they had obtained an additional 70 stores from the Administrators of AllSports. As the business rapidly expanded in the market, JD secured several significant sponsorship deals with esteemed football clubs such as Bournemouth, Bury, Charlton, Dundee United, Luton, and Oldham. Furthermore, they also bolstered their presence in the sports retail sector by acquiring renowned rugby brands.
Henri Lloyd
Henri Lloyd, the renowned British Sailing Brand, originated in Manchester, England in 1963 under the guidance of Henri Strzelecki, a Polish-born fashion designer and WW2 veteran soldier. The company played a pivotal role in advancing waterproof clothing technology by introducing cutting-edge innovations like Bri-Nylon fabrics and the integration of Gore-Tex waterproofing.
Umbro
Umbro, the renowned sportswear brand, originated in Manchester, England in 1924. It was founded by brothers Harold and Wallace Humphreys, who recognised a need for specialised football clothing. Taking the initials of their last name, the brand was named “Umbro,” which quickly gained recognition within the local football community. Initially operating from a small workshop, Umbro began crafting customised football kits for local teams, setting the foundation for what would become a global icon in sportswear
Laterooms
Laterooms, the well-known online hotel booking platform, traces its origins back to 1999 in Salford, Greater Manchester, England. The company was founded by brothers Tony and Steve Walsh, who identified a gap in the market for a user-friendly website that could provide last-minute hotel bookings. Leveraging their experience in the travel industry, the Walsh brothers created Laterooms as a platform that offered customers a convenient and reliable way to find and book accommodations on short notice. With a focus on providing a seamless user experience and a wide range of hotel options, Laterooms quickly gained popularity and expanded its reach across the United Kingdom and beyond. Today, it stands as a trusted name in online hotel reservations, offering travellers flexibility and convenience in securing their accommodations.
