Intro
Howard Brothers business started in March 1946 as a partnership between two brothers, James Howard and John (Jack) Howard in a small shop at 20 Tweedale Street, Rochdale (opposite the current building)
It was a difficult time in which to start up business as manufacturers changed production from war-time needs to consumer goods, and preferring to supply their pre-war customers rather than taking on new accounts. However, suppliers were found who could supply enamel-ware, galvanised buckets and baths and clothes pegs.
The brothers' wives, Dorothy Howard and Ivy Howard were called in to run the shop whilst the brothers drummed up more business by running a market stall and later a van round selling hardware, cleaning equipment and paraffin.
During the first ten years other business activities took place. Orders for the manufacturing of lavatory seat washers and tap washers, were obtained and the ladies punched out thousands of these in the back of the shop, on two foot presses.
The break through in Do-it-Yourself came in 1957. The first order was placed for 50 sheets of hardboard. The trend continued and the demand for tools and home improvement goods escalated. The business expanded taking in number 22 Tweedale Street in 1960 followed by number 24 in 1962 and number 26 was incorporated in 1964.
In 1962 the original four needed more help and were joined by James Howard’s son, Roger and daughter Elizabeth, on their leaving school. Roger began training for the ultimate taking over of the business whilst Elizabeth was trained for office duties.
The business became a limited company in 1965 - Howard Brothers (Rochdale) Ltd.
The stock range increased including:
- Power tools
- China
- Crystal glassware
- Garden products
In 1970, the building opposite, corner of Tweedale Street and Dorset Street, was acquired and the Do-it-Yourself products were moved across the road where a greatly expanded range of ironmongery, cabinet fittings, boards, laminates and many more DIY products were added.
At this time, James Howard's other daughter Margaret and her husband Denis Gooding joined the company.
Margaret runs the office and Denis has special responsibilities for the lawnmower sales and repairs department.
In 1983 the original premises were sold and all departments were housed under one roof, on two floors in the building where trade continues today.
Following the deaths of Jack Howard, then Dorothy Howard in 1988; and later James Howard in 1992 and Ivy Howard in 2001, the business is now run by Roger Howard (Managing Director) Denis Gooding (Director) Margaret Gooding and Daniel Gooding, son of Margaret and Denis who joined the company in 1995 and a Staff of ten. Elizabeth Swain operates the financial side of the business along with her husband from their office in Milnrow, Brian Swain Accountants & Co.
In 1996 the company joined founder members of the buying and marketing group Mica Hardware and now trades under the title of Howard Brothers Mica Hardware. This trading group enables the buying and selling of products at greatly competitive prices. There are now well over 100 Mica shops country wide which are all independently owned but have the power of bulk buying and passing the saving to the customer.