Roberts Radio Co., Ltd.
41 Rathbone Place, London, W1 (1938)
Creek Road, East Molesey, Surrey. (1940)

Trucker to Radio King: Harry Roberts' repair passion sparked a radio empire. Quality & charm secured success, even through wartime.

Transistors & Royals: Roberts embraced new tech, from compact M77 to personalized radios for royalty.

Adapting & Thriving: TV's rise saw Roberts evolve with innovative transistors, high-end models, and pioneering technology.

Venturing Further: Roberts expanded into TVs and catered to niche markets, staying true to quality and service.

Revival & Digital Age: A classic radio's resurgence led to the iconic "Revival" model's triumph. New ownership brought digital leaps, like DAB and internet radio.

From Lorry Dreams to Radio Empire: The Rise of Roberts Radio

At 14, Harry Roberts' lorry-driving ambitions hit a detour: £40 short of a used truck. Undeterred, he steered towards the burgeoning world of radios, landing at Rees Mace, a leading portable manufacturer. He honed his skills and deepened his understanding of the craft.

Seeking new horizons, Roberts moved to Pell, Cahill & Co., where he delved into intricate radio tuning. Fate, however, had another turn in store. In 1927, the company folded, leaving un-serviced radios stranded. Enter Richard Bennet, the resourceful manager, who saw an opportunity. He contacted customers, gathered the radios, and entrusted Roberts with demonstrating them to potential buyers. This hands-on experience further enriched Roberts' knowledge and connection with the radio market.

Meanwhile, Leslie Bidmead's 1926 battery eliminator sparkled on Praed Street, leading to a radio shop job and, soon after, Lonsdale Radio, co-founded with Vincent Vittles. Bidmead built sets, Vittles handled sales, and success bloomed, with a team reaching ten. But a double whammy shattered their dream: a cunning entrepreneur's unpaid orders and Vittles' hidden side hustle of supplying shady retailers with cut-price valves. Bittersweet though it was, the experience instilled valuable lessons in trust and business acumen in Bidmead, shaping his future ventures.

Their landlord, Major Barnett, owner of The Electrical Devices Company, saw an opportunity in Bidmead's misfortune. He offered to write off rent arrears and provide capital and accommodation if they produced receivers for Eldeco, his company, on commission. Initially accepting, Roberts and Bidmead soon outgrew the arrangement. Barnett's proposed change in their pay met with a sharp, "Would that be upwards or downwards?" from Roberts, and a prompt exit. After an hour of negotiation, Barnett was ready to concede. "I'm sorry," he began, "I've made a mistake." "Yes, you have," Roberts agreed, and soon they were off to find their own path.

Triumphant Beginnings: Roberts Radio Takes Flight (1932-1939)

1932: Fueled by ambition and £50, Roberts and Bidmead set up shop in two converted rooms near Oxford Circus. Guided by Harry's father's wisdom - quality for quality customers - they tackled a new challenge: direct sales. Harry's confident charm and Leslie's ingenious design landed them a pivotal order from Harrods, marking the start of a prosperous partnership. Leading stores followed suit, propelling the "little company" forward.

Early Strides: Their first year saw them average three receivers per week, turning over just £1,557. They hustled, working nights to meet deadlines, and remained flexible. When a Cornish hotel offered a weekend stay for a successful demonstration, they gladly seized the opportunity, securing another lucrative deal.

Production Climbs, Expansion Looms: By 1935, weekly production averaged eight receivers, nearing the limit of Hills Place. Sales were confined to London, hinting at the vast potential beyond. In March 1936, they moved to larger premises in Rathbone Place, doubling their space.

1936: This year brought two significant events. Doris Roberts gave birth to a son, Richard, future Chairman and Managing Director. On a surreal note, a wealthy gentleman named E. Beddington Behrens commissioned a special receiver to combat a loud, intrusive radio from his neighbor. Roberts Radio met the challenge, gaining valuable experience that later led to a contract for a high-powered amplifier/receiver for the Royal Surrey County Hospital.

Claiming the Throne: By 1936, the Company proudly advertised their receivers as "the finest of all portables." While technical reviews were absent, their commitment to quality components and straightforward circuit design likely set them apart from larger competitors.

Evolving Design: Early Roberts receivers sported the traditional "suitcase" format, but as technology shifted, they adapted. Smaller moving-coil speakers led to more compact models like the M4. In 1937, the M4Q ushered in the "upright" format, utilized for the next two decades. This design saved space, simplified construction, and eased the addition of a turntable.

Expansion Justified: The faith in Rathbone Place paid off. Turnover nearly doubled to almost £6400 in their first year there. Competition and technological advancements necessitated price reductions, but production more than doubled to compensate.

Reaching Out: To expand beyond the southeast, three distributors were appointed: J.D. Morrison for the Midlands and North, Caldwell Young exclusively in Scotland, and Silcocks Brothers (Bristol) Ltd. for the West of England. These partnerships lasted for three decades, only replaced by a direct sales force later.

Private Limited Status: On April 23rd, 1937, Roberts Radio became a Private Limited Company, with Roberts and Bidmead as directors and a capital of £3,000 (£1,000 paid up). Turnover continued to surge, reaching £7,400 in 1937/38 and a spectacular £13,500 in 1938/39.

Navigating the Wartime Waves: Roberts Radio in 1939-1948

Precarious Boom: War wouldn't dampen demand for portable radios. 1939/40 saw a triumphant turnover of £20,000, despite the "phoney war" anxieties. However, Harry Roberts' 29 years were soon interrupted by a military call-up. His plea for a factory closure delay met with a surprising answer: "We don't close down radio factories."

Royal Endorsement and Shifting Tides: Hopes for "business as usual" soon crashed. Valve supplies dried up for domestic production. Yet, 1940 delivered a bittersweet moment: a Harrods contact informed Harry of Queen Elizabeth's purchase of an M4D for personal use, following her 1939 purchase for Princess Elizabeth.

East Molesey Refuge: Recognizing the dangers of the West End, Harry sought safer grounds. In 1941, the company found its wartime haven in a large Thames-side boathouse in East Molesey. Sadly, Rathbone Place succumbed to bombing, but by then, everything except cardboard boxes had made it to the new location.

From Broadcast Receivers to Radar: While some valves were released for RAF Comforts Fund receivers (2,500 made by Roberts), most wartime work was far more covert. Morse key assemblies, aerial units, and radar components became Roberts' wartime staples, with valuable "lease-lend" machine tools from the US bolstering production.

Top Secret Projects: RAE Farnborough commissioned several "one-off" items so secret that drawings were glimpsed and snatched away. Their final wartime project, however, was anything but secret: a public exhibition simulation of H2S airborne radar using ultrasonic waves and a water tank. While costly and time-consuming, it played a valuable role in public understanding of this crucial technology.

Pent-Up Demand and Post-War Triumph: By 1946, civilian production roared back to life. Pre-war designer talents like Pat Murphy and John Hance spearheaded the charge. Harrods lauded the new P4D, pleading for more stock, and the prestigious "Britain Can Make It" exhibition at the V&A Museum included it among 20 selected radios.

Radiolympia Debut and the "Junior": Roberts Radio graced the first post-war Radiolympia in 1947 with an all-wave model in both battery and mains versions. But the real star was the 1948 "Junior." Leveraging wartime miniaturization, it offered quality sound in a mere 10.5 lbs package, powered by a high-capacity layer-built HT battery. Complete with a weatherproof carrying bag, the "Junior" became a familiar sight among discerning travelers.

Royal Recognition and the Dawn of Transistors

Quest for the Royal Warrant: Harry Roberts, ever ambitious, aiming for the ultimate endorsement: a Royal Warrant. In 1947, with half a dozen radios already gracing the Royal Household, he made his first attempt. He highlighted past supplies and the potential export boost, particularly to lucrative markets like the US. Alas, it was not meant to be, but a future application was welcomed.

Gifts and Nursery Rhymes: Undeterred, Roberts continued showcasing his products. He supplied hand-painted children's models featuring beloved nursery rhyme characters, gifts that, while ineligible for consideration, undoubtedly kept the brand in the Royal spotlight. By 1951, Roberts had a formidable list of 13 purchased sets to present with his renewed application. Courteously delaying the letter until good news on the King's health, he inadvertently missed the application deadline. The King's passing further voided his effort, but a glimmer of hope remained: sufficient orders after the Queen's accession would qualify him for another try.

The New Era: While pursuing the coveted Warrant, Roberts embraced the dawn of a new era – transistors. The first transistor Roberts, the M77, debuted in 1956, marking a significant departure from traditional valve technology. Its compact size and reduced battery consumption opened exciting possibilities for portable radios.

"A Decade of Transformation: Roberts Radio in the 1950s and 60s

Transistor Radio Dawn: The 1950s brought significant strides in portable radios, fueled by the arrival of the transistor. While ferrite-rod antennas allowed smaller valve models (like Roberts' R66), television's rise transformed radio's role from main attraction to background companion. Enter the Roberts RT1 in 1958, not the first transistor radio, but a crucial test for Roberts' reputation. Praised for its sound quality and battery life, it lived up to expectations.

Royal Gift, Limited Future: A 1958 Queen's radio showcased innovation, but Harry saw limited demand for such niche products.

Family Takes Helm, Factory Rises: In 1960, Richard led marketing, Geoffrey production. The growing firm built a custom factory in 1962, fulfilling Harry's 30-year dream.

Pioneering Circuits, Taking Risks: Collaborated with Mullard in 1967 to pioneer the use of a linear integrated circuit, the TAD100 in the RIC1 receiver.

1969: Roberts Loses Its Heartbeat. Industry giant Harry passed away, leaving a legacy of character, fairness, and warmth.

Expanding Horizons: Roberts Radio in New Ventures

Seeking New Terrain: With television dominating living rooms, Richard Roberts, who succeeded his father as Chairman, saw an untapped market in high-end televisions. By 1973, British manufacturers focused on mass-produced color models, neglecting premium options. This became an opportunity for Roberts to apply their radio-honed philosophy to a new field.

Roberts Video Takes the Stage: In 1975, Roberts Video was born, led by Richard. Two high-end receivers boasting remote control, twin speakers, and real teak cabinets launched that September. Success didn't come instantly. Dealerships were initially offered on the same terms as radios, but competition and changing regulations led Roberts Video to drop retail prices and offer modest bulk discounts, earning positive press as a pioneer in the changing market.

Dynatron Joins the Family: Roberts' expansion continued in 1981 with the acquisition of Dynatron Radio Ltd., known for high-quality TVs and audio. Dynatron perfectly complemented the Roberts brand, and its name replaced Roberts Video, offering full-specification receivers in diverse styles through 700 UK outlets.

Revival and Reinvention:
The 1980s were tough, but a 1989 Martini ad featuring a classic Roberts radio sparked renewed interest. The "Revival" model's 1993 reissue, now in various colors, became Britain's best-selling portable radio by 2000. In 1994, GlenDimplex acquired Roberts, shifting production north and embracing digital advancements like DAB and internet radio.[2]

[1] The History of Roberts Radio, Keith Geddes O.B.E. and Gordon Buse
[2] Wikipedia access Jan 2024