Hart & Clough turns the pages of history as group celebrates 125 years

The family-owned commercial printing firm, which is based in Cleckheaton, near Bradford, is celebrating 125 years of tra- ding.

It has survived two World Wars and some of the worst economic upheavals in history.

The company started life in Swaine Street in Bradford’s Forster Square in the 1880s.

It was founded as a printing business by George Hart, who was joined by his business partner Ezra Clough in 1888.

Mr Clough was president of Bradford Photographic Society, and shortly after the First World War, the company bought the bookbinding firm WH Butler (Bradford). The company’s commitment to innovation continues today.

Richard Whittaker, the sales and marketing manager at Hart & Clough, said yesterday: “We have just completed printing a history of Lloyds Register, and also a book celebrating the 100th anniversary of Bradford City’s FA Cup win. The FA Cup was commissioned by Fattorini’s of Bradford.

“During the firm’s 125 years, we have seen and embraced many changes in the industry and produced a wide range of work for various clients, such as AVRO, who manufactured the Lancaster Bombers during the Second World War and the racing driver Sir Stirling Moss, for whom we produced a commemorative book to celebrate the 50th anniversary of him winning the Mille Miglia, a road race around the streets of Italy.

“Times are tough, but one real benefit to our clients is the mix of services we can supply, and the wide range of facilities we have in house.

“We are as competitive on printed stationery, as we are on reports or accounts, or a case-bound book.”

The company, which employs 35 staff and has a turnover of £2.5m, recently made a £495,000 investment in a new printing press.

For more information visit the website www.hartandclough.co.uk