Hobkirk Sewing Machines, a much-loved staple in Blackburn Town Centre, is celebrating 120 years of business this year.
From humble beginnings, Hobkirks has became a household name across the North West – supplying both domestic and industrial customers with top-of-the-range sewing machines, accessories, haberdashery.
The now 16-strong team is still headed by Managing Director, Mark Hobkirk, alongside his Co-Director, Marcus Gannon, and wife Kathy who is the Company Secretary. Mark is also celebrating his 30th year with the business, alongside the 120th anniversary.
Hobkirks now occupies a length of Darwen Street in Blackburn – 10,000 sq ft of premises spanning 45 rooms – including a fabric room and also a sewing machine museum with over 200 antiquities and its very own customer parking.
Few businesses reach this momentous milestone, and the family-owned sewing business is celebrating by looking back on years gone by. Here are some of the key highlights through the decades…
Their amazing website showcases all aspects of this traditional family business so why not take a look at www.hobkirk.co.uk or pay them a visit on Darwen St.
William Hobkirk opened his first store in 1903
Peter Hobkirk in the new sewing machine museum at Hobkirks in Blackburn
Mark Hobkirk, Managing Director