Information on a business owner

[Left]

Hi everyone. I’m trying to find out more information about an ancestor who used to own a clothing business (both manufacturing and a chain of shops) in London I think around 1920-1940. I’d love to find out more about this - according to family legend she was a female entrepreneur (although I believe her husband later joined her in the business).

I have her birth certificate but I have no idea of where to start with researching the business side, I don’t have anything useful like the business name or any addresses. If anyone could give me some pointers on where to start looking for information that would be amazing.

You might be able to find her details in the 1921 census information which might record more info about her employment. And give you more details about family members and their address at that time.

Thank you fedup - that’s a good call, I’ll check the census ☺️

check the 1939 register, it will have her occupation

Then id be looking at the trade directories - like a pre curser to telephone books, you paid to enter your details into them. Im not sure where you'd find the trade directories, many libraries hold copies for their areas and the Archives will also hold them for the area they are situated e.g. Surrey will hold then for that county.

Have you got her wedding certificate? again this would have her occupation

If they had a business it is likely when they died they had money to leave, it would be worth while searching the probate registers and ordering a will if one was written.

Thanks MikeR… I’d forgotten about the 1939 Register - will check that out ☺️

I’ll get in touch with libraries in their area to see if they’re holding any trade directories. Occupation is “Blouse Manufacturer” but unfortunately no business name.

I can’t find either of them in the probate register but might try searching again with variations on their names in case there was an error.

Do you have either of their death certificates?

It might be worth looking at old newspapers, because she'd probably have advertised. Many are available online.

There may be business directories available for the area. Also try newspaper archives in case they advertised for staff or their goods.

I’ve got the details for her death from Freebmd but haven’t ordered the certificate yet. Her name is unusual, and the year is correct so I’m sure it’s her.

I can’t find his death on Freebmd and I’m not sure of the year either - according to family it was prior to hers but no one is sure of the date now sadly.

Just checked and some of the libraries in my area have access to the newspaper archives so I’m going to head to my local one after work this week 🤞

Thank you for all the suggestions everyone ☺️