Although the position of many companies in today's Wire Industry can be traced back to a family founded business, it is an unfortunate fact that the family link has all too often been lost. Not so for the small, but special niche, UK company Ormiston Wire Ltd. 200 hundred years ago, whilst George III was on the throne, Britain was at war with France and the revolution in Paris was gathering pace, a young Scotsman by the name of James Ormiston set up his own business, initially as an agent for the Bristol Brass Wire Co. From that initial introduction to the wire industry, in 1793, James began to look for a means of diversification and in 1803 he moved to London and began to manufacture brass spring interiors for ladies corsets.

James Ormiston was born in 1769. He lived most of his young life in the West Country, particularly Bristol. The first recording of his business activity is to be found listed in a local Trade Directory as being a partner and accountant for a firm of Sugar Refiners known as Heineken and Ormiston. He more importantly became the Agent for a well established business, the Bristol Brass and Copper Company.

He was successful in this role to the extent that after a short while he was approached by BBCC with a view to moving to London and taking charge of their branch office there. This office was rented premises at 22 Bread Street, off Cheapside in the City of London. It was here that he first became seriously involved with the Wire Industry and found it greatly to his liking.

Long and Loyal Service at Ormiston Wire Ltd (1950)

Back row: (from left to right): H. McKone (31), F. Beugo (38), W. Hamlia (30), H. Stone (31), C. Dore (35).

Front row: (from left to right): A.J. Kirtland (35), W. Newman (50), H.J.W. Payne (61), S. Alford (49).

Figures in brackets represent the number of years served (until 1950).