Oldest Firm still trading.

[gdm27]

I served my time at Pilkington Brothers, Railway Sawmills Ossy back in the late 60's early 70's. They had been going for donkeys years (before WW2 not sure exact date) and last I looked were still going. Anyone know any business that has traded continuously earlier than them?

[jack preston]

Ibbotsons builders Blackburn since 1780s I think.

[jack preston]

Sorry just found out Ibbotsons went into liquidation in 2012.May still be trading though?

[gdm27]

Tis in Blackburn tho Jack.

[Karateman]

Garys hairdressers in Abbey street....I reckon Garys been cutting hair since the early 1900's

[cashman]

Originally Posted by Karateman

Garys hairdressers in Abbey street....I reckon Garys been cutting hair since the early 1900's

Gary must be knocking on a bit?

[Accyexplorer]

That "firm" known locally as the police.
I don't see them going out of business anytime soon either

[Bob Dobson]

I think that Royal Mail pre-dates the police, though there has been a name change.

[Mick]

Originally Posted by Accyexplorer

That "firm" known locally as the police.
I don't see them going out of business anytime soon either

Or the fire service if my wife's cooking is anything to go by

[Accyexplorer]

Originally Posted by Bob Dobson

I think that Royal Mail pre-dates the police, though there has been a name change.

I don't like the royal fail,I suppose they are a 'firm' of thieves though. that Established around 1520's?? (before the police force was established)

[Hill Walker]

Originally Posted by Accyexplorer

I don't like the royal fail,I suppose they are a 'firm' of thieves though. that Established around 1520's?? (before the police force was established)

If you are looking for a really old firms you have a choice of two Church and State. The first being an ultimately unsuccessful international conglomerate and the second a family business with a record of success in takeovers of similar businesses.

In both the primary business activity was taxation. Inevitably they clashed and in 1534 the then CEO of State (H Tudor) launched a hostile takeover bid for part of Church. Whilst ultimately successful this takeover unexpectedly required significant improvements to the air conditioning of most of the regional offices of Church in order to compensate the employees of Church who perceived that their pensions had been damaged by this takeover.

Both firms are still in business, State still concentrates on taxation which it has refined into a high art. Church still runs many local offices primarily concerned with public relations.

[CHAZ1975]

I reckon Norman's barbers in clayton must have been going since before the war

[Lost in Cornwall]

No. I remember Norman when he was apprentice to Jack Thornton in Barnes Street. He opened in Whalley Road late 60's, early 70's.