Cyril Harrison (businessman) facts for kids
Sir Cyril Ernest Harrison (born 14 December 1901 in Sileby, Leicestershire – died 15 March 1980 in Wilmslow, Cheshire) was an important leader in the cotton industry. He was the Managing Director of English Calico, a big textile company. Later, he became the President of the Federation of British Industry and the Confederation of British Industry during the 1950s and 1960s.
Contents
Sir Cyril's Journey in Business
Starting Small
Cyril Harrison began his career at just 16 years old in 1917. He started as an office boy at a mill in Padiham. He then learned how to be a weaver, someone who makes fabric. After that, he became a fabric dealer at the Manchester Cotton Exchange, a place where cotton products were bought and sold.
In 1928, he teamed up with a friend to start his own business, C E Harrison & Co, which sold fabrics.
Leading Big Companies
In 1939, Cyril Harrison joined the English Sewing Cotton Company (ESC). This was Britain's second-largest company making cotton thread. He became the managing director (the person in charge of running the company) in 1948. During World War II, ESC did very well because there was less competition from other countries.
However, in the 1950s, ESC faced new challenges. Other countries could make cotton products more cheaply. Even though ESC tried to modernize, their profits were affected. In 1968, ESC joined with another large textile company, the Calico Printers' Association. Together, they became known as English Calico.
A National Leader
Cyril Harrison was also a leader in the wider business world. From 1958 to 1959, he was the President of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce. This group helps businesses in Manchester.
In 1961, he became the President of the Federation of British Industry (FBI). This was a major organization that represented many businesses in Britain. The same year, he received an honorary master's degree from Manchester University. From 1961 to 1963, he was also part of the grand council of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), another important business group.
For his great work in industry, he was made a knight in 1963. This means he was given the title "Sir." He also worked with the Cotton Board, which looked after the interests of the cotton industry in Lancashire.
He was also active in his local church, serving as a deacon and secretary at Wilmslow Congregational Church.
Personal Life
Cyril Harrison's parents moved to Lancashire after he was born. He went to school at Padiham Wesleyan school and Burnley Grammar School. In 1927, he married Ethel. They had two sons, David Michael Harrison and Ian Wood Harrison.
See also
- List of Mills in Padiham
- 1963 Birthday Honours
