Innovative Francis Kirk originated back in 1868 so last year saw them celebrate a major milestone for any family business, 150 years as a family firm that is now in the hands of the fifth generation. Paul Andrews spoke to Managing Director, Tom Kirk, to find out more.
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Generations
This business has continued to develop and grow over time – in terms of scale, turnover and profitability and has come a long way since the founding Francis Kirk launched the business as a tool shop 150 years ago with the simple aim of manufacturing a quality tool for workmen to use. The business was born in Denton in a small shed and although the business has moved, it has not gone far and Denton is very much at the heart of the business today. Each subsequent generation added their own developments helping the business move with the times, remain relevant at the time and to continue to grow. Thomas Kirk was the second generation to take the business on and he developed the company’s offering to include the stocking of tools and not just
their manufacture, increasing the efficiency of the business and the speed of fulfilment of customer orders. Following the conclusion of World War II James Kirk came back from the war having signed up with his brother who sadly never returned. James returned with the bad news for the then girlfriend of his brother and vowed to provide for her as though she were family. In fact, the relationship bloomed and they eventually wed and became the next generation to run the business, the grandparents of the current Managing Director. The business took advantage of grants that were made available after the war for companies involved with projects to help rebuild the nation and the journey continued. The innovative and
