James and M. S. Sharp and Co
of Towers Dyeworks and Chemical Works, Low Moor; Orchard Dyeworks, Heckmondwike; and Dyewood Grinding Mill, Wyke.
Dyers, Finishers, Embossers, Printers, Bleachers, Dye Wood Grinders and Dealers, Manufacturing Chemists, and Aniline Dye and Colour Manufacturers,
1897 Debenture Issue. Directors: James Sharp, Milton Sharp, James Sharp, Jnr, John Casson, Lionel Sharp, Thomas Henry Gaunt, Joseph Samuel Colefax.[1]
1897 'The firm of James and M. S. Sharp and Co. Limited is being formed into a public company. consisting of £65,000 4.5 per cent first mortgate debentures, £55,000 5 per cent cumulative preference shares of £5, and 33,340 ordinary shares. The total price fixed for the sale of the property is £244,310. The company is formed for the purpose of acquiring as going concerns the business heretofore carried on by James and M. S. Sharp and Co. Limited, dyers, finishers, embossers, printers, and bleachers. at the Lowers Dyeworks, Low Moor, and the Orchard Dyeworks, Heckmondwike ; by the Low Moor Chemical Co.. whose works are adjacent to the Towers Lyeworks; and by the Dyewood Grinding Mid, Wyke, the last named also trading as the Low Moor Chemical Co., within a short distance from the Towers Dyeworks. The Low Moor Chemical Works and the Dyewood Grinding Mill, although ancillary to the dyeworks, and belonging to the family of the founders of the larger businesses, have not hitherto been the property of the company carrying on the dyeworks; but it is believed that it will be advantageous to have all these concerns consolidated in one business undertaking. The businesses described shortly as the dyeworks, but carrying on all the various processes named above, have been established nearly 20 years, and conducted successfully daring that period. Since January. 1894, they have been worked by what was practically a private limited company. confined to the family of the senior founder of the business, and to certain foremen and workpeople employed by them, no participation in it having been offered to the public. Mr. James Sharp agrees to accept the post of chairman, and Mr. Milton S. Sharp, Mr. James Sharp, junr., Mr. John Casson, Mr. Lionel Sharp, and Mr. Thomas Henry Gaunt will also take places upon the first board of directors.'[2]