Throughout its near-two-thousand-year history, the historic town of Poole, Dorset, has always strived for innovation. From a now-faded maritime trade to the founding of the Scouts, Poole has been the place to go for growth and prosperity in business. Many businesses have begun life in Poole and around Dorset, providing pivotal advancements for their respective industries. Some remain well known in Poole, but their brands and services are highly used and regarded across the world.
The Merchants of Poole
Poole’s exact founding is unknown, but the town was used early on as a site for fishing and to anchor ships. Such uses evolved into major maritime and fishing trades by the 12th and 13th centuries, as several royal charters established Poole as a major port of call for trade. The discovery of Newfoundland further expanded Poole’s power across the known world through the exportation of cod and salt. This golden age continued through to the 18th century when Poole is recorded to have had more trading ships docked in the quay than any other English port of the period. Several prominent merchant families, nicknamed the Merchants of Poole, gained much influence, including the Thompsons and Spurrier firms.
The industry went into a rapid decline once the Napoleonic Wars ended in 1814, allowing the French and Americans to push out Poole’s merchants from the Newfoundland area. At the beginning of the 19th century, ninety percent of Poole’s workers could be found on the harbour. As the Industrial Revolution began to change the United Kingdom, trade was all but gone. When the town’s first railway station opened in 1847, the shipping trade was wiped out for good. However, this wouldn’t be the end of boat-related companies operating from Poole.
Poole Pottery
Poole’s most famous business is Poole Pottery. Its handmade ceramics have been used worldwide in homes, businesses, and as artwork since 1873. Although the business is now located in Stoke-on-Trent, Poole Pottery remains a renowned brand in Poole. Founded by Jesse Carter, who purchased an old tile factory, pottery began to be made using Dorset clay. Potters have crafted several unique styles over the years, including the colourful Living Glaze brand, achieved using hand-sprayed paints and other techniques. Another style is Delphi, each piece unique, using fluid movements in a nod to Poole’s history of using dolphins as a historic emblem. Pottery is still an attractive business in Poole, with plenty of pottery sold at the quay’s Studio Poole pottery shop.
RNLI
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)’s history began long before its headquarters came to Poole in 1974. Having witnessed many shipwrecks on the Isle of Man, Sir William Hillary concluded a lifeboat service was needed to help save lives. Several influential supporters, including King George IV, led to the RNLI’s founding in 1824. Two hundred years on, the RNLI operates over four hundred lifeboats across the UK, manned mostly by volunteers who risk their lives to save others. Poole’s own lifeboat serves as the headquarters for the institution, whilst manned lifeboats have operated here since 1865. The original boathouse still stands on the quay, serving as a museum for the RNLI’s history with the community.
Quadrant2Design
Quadrant2Design, founded in 2000, is a leading exhibition stand design and build company that has garnered a reputation in the UK and Europe for high-quality, custom-modular stands. Owner, Alan Jenkins, strived for his company to offer unique design features, utilising the Prestige Events System that is modular, reconfigurable, and sustainable. Quadrant2Design specialises in pre-building all its stands within its facilities to ensure all aspects are up to the expected standards. That way, clients can be reassured that their exhibition stands will be attractive and outstanding when on display at events
Ryvita
In certain areas of Poole, one might smell the wafting scent of rye bread in the air. Ryvita is another well-known brand located in Poole, producing a delicious brand of rye crispbread that has been a national favourite since its debut on the market in 1925. Originating in Birmingham, Ryvita’s operations moved to Poole in 1949 after the first factory was destroyed in World War II. Ryvita is owned by Associated British Foods and holds royal manufacturing warrants; often promoted as part of the Jordans Dorset Ryvita company brand (alongside Jordans and Dorset Cereal).
Lush
The remarkable success of a smalltown company can bring much success and innovation. For the cosmetics industry, that is Lush, founded in 1995 right on Poole’s high street. Co-founded by Mark and Mo Constantine, Liz Weir, Andrew Gerrie, Rowena Bird, Helen Ambrosen, and Paul Greeves, Lush sells a variety of beauty cosmetics and other products. Following a strict no-animal testing policy, Lush ensures its ingredients are all fresh and organic. Notable products include the bath bomb and shampoo bar. Lush has since spread across the UK and the world, opening nearly nine-hundred stores as of 2024.
Merlin Entertainments
Although Poole itself has had little history with theme parks, it is host to Merlin Entertainments, the British entertainment company that owns numerous British and international attractions. Created from Vardon Attractions, Merlin has a spellbinding reach over the tourism industry. Not only do they own all Legoland theme parks, but also Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, the Sea Life Centres, Madame Tussauds, the London Eye, the London Dungeon (and others), Blackpool Tower, Warwick Castle, and Shrek’s Adventure!
Sunseeker
One of Poole Quay’s most prestigious companies is Sunseeker, which designs, builds, and sells motor yachts. Owning eight shipyards and production facilities, Sunseeker builds around one hundred and fifty boats every year. Founded by the Braithwaite brothers in 1969, their dreams of designing new motorboats took them to new waters and spectacular heights to revolutionise the industry, creating a market for the sports and leisure markets. In the decades since, Sunseeker has made many innovative speedboats, luxury yachts, and superyachts that share a distinct, curved design. Sunseeker’s boats have even appeared in several James Bond films, with co-founder Robert Braithwaite cameoing in Quantum of Solace.
In Summary
Poole has plenty to offer and a rich history of innovation in business. From its maritime and fishing trade to iconic businesses such as Poole Pottery, Poole continues to be a place of significant entrepreneurial success!
