Electrical Lamp Service Company Ltd.
London. (1928)

Thorn Electrical Industries Ltd.
105-109 Judd Street, London (1947)

Sylvania -Thorn Colour Laboratories, Ltd.
Great Cambridge Road, Enfield, Middlesex (1954)

Thorn Electrical Industries, Aircraft Components Division
Great Cambridge Road, Enfield, Middlesex (1957)

Thorn EMI Electronics Ltd.
​Upper Saint Martin’s Lane London WC2H 9ED (1979 – 1998)

From light bulbs to TV tubes, Sir Jules Thorn (1899-1980) illuminated more than homes. He acquired Ferguson Radio, led postwar electronics expansion (Sylvania, Philco), and became Britain's TV kingpin. His ambitions soared with the 1979 Thorn EMI merger, but challenges dimmed the dream. A 1996 split saw Thorn transition to rentals (BrightHouse), then property development. Though gone, Thorn's legacy shines pioneering innovations, shaping the rental industry, and influencing the electronics landscape.

From Mantles to Megacorporation

From Austria to England:

Sir Jules Thorn's journey began in Vienna, Austria, in 1899. After working as a traveling salesman for an Austrian gas mantle company, he ventured to England in the early 1920s. This move proved life-changing, setting the stage for his phenomenal rise in the world of electronics.

Birth of an Empire:

In 1928, armed with his sales experience and an entrepreneurial spirit, Thorn partnered with engineer Alfred Deutsch to establish The Electric Lamp Service Company Ltd. Starting modestly, they focused on importing and selling light bulbs. Recognizing an opportunity, they acquired the struggling Atlas Lamp Works in 1932, marking the birth of Thorn Lighting. This venture flourished, eventually becoming a global leader in lamps and lighting components.

Beyond Lighting: The Radio Chapter:

Thorn's vision extended beyond mere bulbs. In 1933, when Lotus Radio Ltd. faced financial difficulties, he saw potential. With characteristic decisiveness, he established Lotus Radio (1933) Ltd., ensuring the continuation of its radio receiver manufacturing legacy. This move showcased his keen eye for potential and willingness to seize opportunities.

Building a Giant: Consolidation and Expansion:

By 1936, Thorn's ambition continued to soar. He acquired the renowned Ferguson Radio Corporation, a significant step in establishing his presence in the electronics industry. This wasn't enough; he incorporated existing companies like The Electric Lamp Service Company and Chorlton Metal Co., solidifying his hold. To reflect this transformation, the entity was renamed Thorn Electrical Industries Ltd., marking the birth of a giant.

Wartime Transformation and Innovation:

When World War II erupted, Thorn adapted his focus. His company pivoted to support the war effort, turning its expertise to vital wartime production. They manufactured radios and radio components crucial for communication, aircraft landing lights ensuring safe landings, searchlights illuminating the night sky for enemy detection, and even radar components playing a vital role in air defense and navigation. This wartime contribution showcased Thorn's ability to adapt and contribute significantly beyond commercial interests.

Post-War Boom: Acquisitions and Collaborations:

Following World War II, Sir Jules Thorn embarked on a strategic expansion, not only acquiring established firms like Ekco-Ensign Design and Tricity Cookers to solidify his hold on the electronics and appliance markets but also securing access to cutting-edge technology through collaborations like the landmark 1955 Sylvania-Thorn C.R.T. Project. [1] This joint venture not only ensured access to fluorescent tube technology but also established a large-scale monochrome TV CRT tube manufacturing facility in the UK, showcasing his keen understanding of emerging technologies and strategic mergers.

Partnerships and Growth:

Thorn wasn't just an acquirer; he understood the power of collaboration. He partnered with E.M.I. to form the British Radio Corporation, merging radio receiver interests under iconic brands like Marconiphone and H.M.V. This innovative partnership fueled further growth and market reach. [2]

Industry Titan: Recognition and Legacy:

By 1961, Thorn's strategic acquisitions, including Philco, Pilot, and Ultra Radio & Television, had positioned him as the largest producer of radio and television sets in Britain. This remarkable achievement earned him a well-deserved knighthood in 1964, solidifying his status as an industry titan.

Beyond Lighting: Embracing Color Television:

Sir Jules Thorn recognized the growing demand for color television and its impact on the industry. While acquiring technology and patents proved challenging, his innovative solution involved importing blank tubes from the US and coating them domestically. This foresight allowed Thorn Electrical Industries to solidify its position in the British television market.

From Rentals to Diversification:

The merger with Robinson Radio Rentals created the world's largest television rental company, showcasing Thorn's strategic thinking. Acquisitions like Metal Industries, KMT Holdings, and Parkinson Cowan demonstrated diversification into various sectors.

Birth of Thorn EMI:

In 1979, despite initial resistance, Thorn acquired the struggling EMI, forming Thorn EMI plc. While concerns existed about merging vastly different companies, it signaled Thorn's ambition to expand beyond its core businesses.

Restructuring and Focus:

Following challenges, Thorn EMI underwent significant restructuring under various chairmen. Peter Laister aimed for an integrated communications and entertainment business, while Colin Southgate emphasized returning to core industries like lighting, rentals, and retail. He initiated divestments, focusing on core areas like music and rental.

Music Acquisitions and Expansion:

Acquisitions like SBK Entertainment World and Virgin Music Group bolstered Thorn EMI's music operations, showcasing its commitment to the industry. They also entered joint ventures for music television channels, demonstrating diversification within the music sphere.

Demerger and Challenges:

By 1996, the successful demerger resulted in Thorn plc (focused on rentals) and EMI Group plc (music and related businesses). However, both faced challenges – Thorn facing difficulties in its rental business and EMI navigating class-action lawsuits.

Thorn's Uncertain Future:

Thorn attempted to sell its non-UK businesses and focus on its domestic rental operations. This marked a dramatic shift from its diverse past, with the future uncertain and potentially limited to a single business in a single country.

From Electronics Titan to Property Player: The Downfall of Thorn

The story of Thorn's demise is intricately linked to the broader shifts in the British and global consumer landscape. Once a leading force in electronics and rentals, the company ultimately succumbed to a combination of internal missteps, external challenges, and changing market realities.

A Crossroads Beckons (1996):

The 1996 demerger from EMI marked a defining point for Thorn. Separated from the burgeoning music giant, it was left solely focused on the increasingly volatile rental market. Legal issues in the US further burdened the company, prompting a strategic shift towards concentrating on the UK market through selling international ventures.

Miscalculated Gambles and Missed Opportunities: This "island nation" strategy, unfortunately, proved misguided. The UK rental market itself was facing slow growth due to changing consumer preferences towards ownership and flexible financing options. Additionally, failing to capitalize on the digital revolution and adapt to online rental models left Thorn lagging behind competitors.

While EMI Soared, Thorn Stumbled:

In stark contrast, EMI thrived under the demerger. Acquiring music giants like Virgin Music and launching innovative ventures like VIVA channels solidified its position in the evolving music industry. While not without challenges, EMI showcased agility in navigating the digital age through online partnerships and embracing new distribution methods.

Struggles and Restructures:

As EMI climbed, Thorn grappled with declining profits and dwindling market share. Restructuring efforts and divestments offered temporary relief, but failed to address the core issues. The company's once diverse offerings narrowed, and its brand identity became increasingly blurred.

The Final Curtain:

From Rentals to Redevelopment (2005): By 2005, the decline became irreversible. With its core business facing obsolescence, Thorn underwent a dramatic transformation. It was acquired by Resolution Property Investment Group and pivoted entirely towards property development, leaving behind its long-standing legacy in electronics and rentals.

A Legacy Etched in Innovation:

Although Thorn's independent existence ended, its impact on the industries it once dominated remains undeniable. It played a pivotal role in the development of television technology, revolutionized the rental landscape, and contributed significantly to the growth of the British electronics sector. Its story serves as a reminder of the constant need for adaptation in dynamic business environments and the unforeseen shifts that can alter corporate destinies.

[1] Wireless World Oct 1955, Page 475.
[2] Wireless World Oct 1957, Page 510