A. L. Simpkin and Co
of Chemist Confectionery Works, Hunter Road, Sheffield.
1921 The firm was set up by Albert Leslie Simpkin.
Simpkin soon decided to stop selling other manufacturers' sweets, and to produce his own. In the early 1920s, he purchased a burnt out refrigeration factory in Hillsborough and built his own 40,000 square foot purpose built factory, employing 180 staff.
Simpkin produced high quality glucose sweets from natural ingredients and aimed his product at a niche market, selling through dispensing chemists, thus avoiding competition with the major manufacturers. Simpkin had been given liquid glucose to recover from his wounds in WWI; finding it was not available in solid form, he decided to concentrate on making glucose travel sweets. Within two years, his glucose sweets, named Simpkins' Orange Barley Sticks, could be found in 90% of pharmacies in the U.K.
The sweets were initially sold in large jars to outlets but Simpkin quickly changed to selling in individual airtight eight ounce tins; because the sweets had a high fruit juice content, and would go sticky when exposed to moisture. The early tins were not entirely airtight; but in the 1950s, a completely airtight tin with no seams was introduced which kept the sweets fresh for years. The use of tins would become a marque for the company. At its peak, the company employed over 300 staff. During World War II, Simpkins high grade glucose sweets were produced for R.A.F. air crew on high altitude missions. The company also supplied glucose sweets to the 1953 British Mount Everest expedition. In February 2009, Simpkins won the best new British product at the Cologne confectionery show for its Dr. Stuart range of herbal sweets.
1929 New company formed. 'A. L. Simpkin and Co.. Ltd. (244.590). Private company. Registered December 17th. Capital, £4,000 in £1 shares (2,000 7.5 per cent. Cumulative Preference and 2,000 Ordinary). Objects: To acquire the business carried on A. L. Simpkin at Sedan Street, Sheffield, and to carry on the business of manufacturers of and wholesale and retail dealers in confectionery, chocolates and sweets, cooked and prepared foods, etc. The directors are:- A. L. Simpkin, 34, Osgathorpe Road, Sheffield; Mrs. A. M. Simpkin, 34, Osgathorpe Road, Sheffield; C. Simpkin, 32, Steade Road, Sheffield. The said A. L. Simpkin shall be permanent so long as he holds 100 shares. Qualification of directors, 100 shares. Registered office: Carfield House, Sedan Street, Sheffield.[1]
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Thursday 19 December 1929