Ferguson Radio Corporation Ltd.
Cheswick Works; Power Road North, Chiswick, London, W.4. (1935)
Factory Lincoln Road Enfield

British Radio Corporation Ltd.
284 Southbury Road, Enfield, Middlesex (1957)
Thorn House, Upper St. Martins Lane, London WC2.

Brand: Ferguson

1935: J.B. Ferguson sets up Ferguson Corporation in the UK, making radios from imported parts. Acquired by Jules Thorn in 1936, who establishes a new factory and boosted brand presence. Post-WWII, Ferguson thrives in the TV market, building a larger factory in the 1950s. Merged with H.M.V. and Marconiphone in 1957, solidifying market position. Popular across the 60s and 70s with diverse electronics but faces rising competition in the 80s. Sold to Thomson in 1987, then licensed to DSI and Comet, eventually fading by 2012. In 2017, UK manufacturer Cello Electronics revived the brand with new TVs.

A Historic Melody: The Journey of the Ferguson Brand in the UK

J.B. Ferguson's dream of bringing innovative electronics to British homes materialized in 1932 with the establishment of the Ferguson Corporation in the USA. He set up a small factory in Chiswick, England, initially assembling receivers from imported components. This marked the humble beginnings of what would become a household name in UK electronics: Ferguson. [1]

Despite initial financial challenges, the brand persevered. In 1936, Jules Thorn, a visionary entrepreneur, recognized the potential of Ferguson and acquired the company. He established a new factory in Enfield and appointed J.B. Ferguson as General Manager. Thorn further strengthened the brand by founding Thorn Electrical Industries, which handled marketing and distribution, solidifying Ferguson's presence in the UK landscape. [2][3]

Post-WWII, the focus shifted to television, a burgeoning technology capturing the public imagination. Ferguson embraced this challenge, designing and manufacturing quality television receivers. To accommodate this expansion, a larger factory was built in Enfield in the mid-1950s.

1957 witnessed a significant milestone: the merging of Ferguson with H.M.V. and Marconiphone under the umbrella of the newly formed British Radio Corporation, Ltd. This joint venture of Thorn and EMI further streamlined operations and cemented Ferguson's position as a major player in the UK consumer electronics market. [4]

Throughout the 60s and 70s, Ferguson products enjoyed immense popularity, catering to a diverse customer base. Their vast range encompassed portable transistor radios, elegant radiograms, multi-channel radios, powerful stereo speakers, and even open reel tape recorders. These high-quality products became hallmarks of many UK households.

The 80s saw rising competition from international brands like JVC, Tandy, and Sanyo. Despite introducing new formats like cassette players, CD players, and video recorders, Ferguson struggled to maintain its market share. The brand was eventually sold to the French electronics giant Thomson in 1987.

Unfortunately, Thomson later retreated from the European consumer electronics market, leading to further challenges for Ferguson. The brand licensing first moved to DSI (Dixons and Currys) in 1987, then to Comet in 2006. However, neither company managed to recapture the brand's past glory. Comet ultimately discontinued using the Ferguson name in 2012.

In a surprising turn of events, 2017 saw the Ferguson brand resurface. British television manufacturer Cello Electronics obtained a license from Technicolor (formerly Thomson) to utilize the name for a new range of televisions manufactured in County Durham. This marked a hopeful revival for the iconic brand, offering a chance to reclaim its past success with a modern touch.

The Ferguson story is one of innovation, adaptation, and resilience. From its humble beginnings to its contemporary revival, the brand has left an undeniable mark on the UK electronics landscape. Whether gracing living rooms with stylish radiograms or offering modern televisions, Ferguson's legacy continues to resonate with British consumers, and its future holds the potential for exciting new chapters. [5]

[1] Radio Manufacturers of the 1920s, Vol 1, Alan Douglas, Page 220.
[2] Electrical Review Index Jul 5, 1935, Page viii.
[3] Popular Wireless Nov 16, 1935, Page 320.
[4] British Radio & Television Jul 1957, Page 200.
[5] Wikipedia accessed Feb 2024