HISTORY / OUR STORY
Celebrating Widdop & Co's 140th year of history and heritage.
The WIDDOP and Co. of today would be almost unrecognisable to founder William Widdop. Both the company and the world have changed beyond recognition since 1883.
Here are a just a few of our milestones.
1883
William Widdop begins making clocks and watches in Brighouse, Yorkshire.
1918
William's son-in-law, John, joins the business after active service in WW1.
1939
During WW2 a retailer called Bingham's amalgamated with Widdop and moved to Manchester to make use of the building after their premises were damaged by bombing.
1952
Bob Illingworth takes the helm. The first Spring Fair is held at Harrogate and Widdop Bingham is one of the pioneer exhibitors.
1973
Widdop Bingham moves to Chadderton, Oldham and becomes the first company in the gift trade to install a computer.
1980
Bob's sons Stuart, Chris and Andrew join the company and George Makin, a jewellery wholesaler based in Shudehill, Manchester is purchased.
1983
William Widdop launches its new flagship range of branded clocks.
1984
The company begins sourcing its first products from the Far East.
1993
The Juliana brand of giftware is launched.
1998
The company outgrows its premises and moves to a larger, purpose-built warehouse and office unit on Broadgate.
2000
An extension is added to the new building, creating extra warehousing and doubling the size of the showroom.
2008
With the arrival of Stephen Illingworth, Stuart's eldest son, Widdop enters its 5th generation under the original family.
2014
Another 5th generation arrival, Stuart's youngest son Daniel, further reinforces Widdop's strong family values.
2014
Our innovative new warehouse management system is implemented.
2017
Widdop.co.uk is launched alongside the new iPad sales tool.
2020
New MD Mark Wilson joins the Widdop Family.
2021
Golden award winner of the best service to the independent retailer by The Greats Awards.
2022
Our team enjoys a successful return the Autumn Fair, our first tradeshow since Covid.
2023
Attended our first ever international trade show exhibition - Ambiente.
2023
Widdop and Co celebrate their 140th year in the trade.
Today
Today Widdop is a team run by hundreds of like-minded passionate employees with the same mission in life - To wake up every day with a choice to do what we love to do, build meaningful relationships and do great work.
You've heard our story, it's now time for the world to hear yours.