Page 106 - Redditch People

Redditch People

When Henry Milward opened his factory at Washford Mills he was the third person to
occupy this site. With small needle businesses amalgamated, often through inter-
marriage between the leading needle makers of Redditch.Henry Milward and sons
amalgamated with John James, W.Avery & Son, Wm. Bartlett, and thus the Milwards
Empire grew.

In the early 1900 Milliards purchased the land on both side of Ipsley Street, The one side
included the Fountain Public House which was incorporated into the main building and had
needles named after it. On the other side of the road was a large amount of land and two
houses, the one called Southmead House which became the main home of the Milwards,
and the other Holloway House was used by relations.

This was until Herbert Terry wanted to expand his business and with consistant attemps
to purchase the land Henry Milward sold him Southmead House and the vast land with it.
This meant that Henry Milward had to move into Holloway House, although a smaller
property they still managed to hold garden parties and flower shows.

Colonel.C F.Milward, Deputy Lieutenant, was born in America and returned to England at
the age of 5 and in due course he entered in the family business, he was responsible for
the company’s amalgamations prior to 1930, he became the major chairman of the
holding company A.N. & F.H.Limited. His father was justice of the peace. He was elected
to the Mastership of the Livery Company, The Worshipful Company of Needle Makers, and
was High Sheriff of Worcestershire. He was known as the Colonel.

Since 1952 the fortunes of the Milward business were in the hands of L.H.Beare and in
the 1980 J.A.Mackreal was the managing director. In 1973 the entire share capital was
purchased by Coats Patrons Ltd, now known as Coats PLC. Needle Industries continued
until 1990.Following a management buyout of Needle Industries, led by Victor Barley, a
new company was registered in 1991 called ENTACO.

Page: 106 © RLHS 2015