Wates Bros. 
132, Charing Cross Road, WC2 (1922)

Wates Bros. Ltd.
12, Great Queen Street, London, WC 2 (1923)
12, 14, 14, Great Queen Street, London, WC 2 (1924 - 1926)

Radio Brand: Bijouphone

Battery Brands: Ideal; Sphinx; Pyramid

Wates Bros. (1921-1926) started with radio batteries & valve sets in the early market. They offered innovative "note magnifier" kits for DIY radio building and the Bijouphone crystal radio in 1924. They expanded into components & partnered with Lifford for the "Microstat" (selling 700,000 by 1925). Despite success, financial troubles led to liquidation in 1926. Their legacy lies in diverse radio offerings and a modular building approach.

Wates Bros. Ltd.: A Short History of Radio Innovation (1921 - 1926)

Wates Bros. Ltd. carved its niche in the burgeoning radio market during the early 1920s. Though their reign was brief, their contributions to the evolving world of radio are worth remembering. Here's a closer look at their journey:

Early Days and Product Offerings (1921-1923):

Established around 1921, Wates Bros. likely began as a family business led by F. S. S. Wates.

• By 1922, they were showcasing their products at the All-British Exhibition, demonstrating:
  • "Ideal" accumulators, batteries used for powering the filaments in radio tubes.
  • Four distinct valve set models (radios employing vacuum tubes), including a cabinet model boasting a built-in loudspeaker.
  • Their "Sphinx" brand high-tension batteries, providing the higher voltage needed for radio operation.

Recognizing the growing interest in DIY radio construction, they introduced the "Wates unit system of note magnifiers" in 1923. This innovative system allowed users to build their radios in stages, starting with a basic amplifier and gradually adding components for increased functionality. [6]

Formalisation and Expansion (1923):

Wates Bros. Ltd. was officially incorporated on August 18th, 1923, with a capital of £5,000. [1]

• Their official purpose encompassed:
• Taking over the existing business operations of F. S. S. Wates.
• Manufacturing and dealing in various electrical and scientific equipment, including components for motors, vehicles, and the burgeoning field of wireless telegraphy (radio).
• Acting as agents and concessionaires for radio components and related accessories.

Growth and Marketing Strategies (1924):

By March 1924, Wates Bros. had established itself as a prominent player in the radio component market.

• Their marketing efforts highlighted a wide range of products, including:
  • Essential components needed for radio construction, such as terminals, condensers, transformers, and coil holders.
  • Complete radio sets like the "Supratone 2-valve Amplifier" and the popular "Bijouphone Crystal Set."
  • Batteries cater to both filament heating ("Ideal" accumulators) and high-tension needs ("Pyramid" H.T. batteries).
• They positioned themselves as a one-stop shop, emphasizing value for money and encouraging customers to source all their radio needs from them.
• Interestingly, Wates Bros. also went beyond their own manufacturing and partnered with established companies like Lifford Engineering Co. They successfully marketed the "Microstat" filament rheostat, a crucial component for controlling the current flow in radio tubes. By February 1925, they had reportedly sold a remarkable 700,000 of these units. [2]
• They applied for the Bijouphone trademark in September 1924. [3]
• Capitalizing on the festive season, they cleverly advertised their Bijouphone crystal set in December 1924. This marketing campaign highlighted its superior features and ability to receive the highly anticipated Christmas radio broadcasts, enticing potential customers. [4]

Struggles and Demise (1926):

Despite their early success, Wates Bros. Ltd. encountered financial difficulties by October 1926 and opted for voluntary liquidation. [5] The precise reasons for this remain unclear, but several factors might have contributed:

• The highly competitive nature of the early radio market, where numerous companies vied for customer attention.
• The rapid pace of technological advancements in radio technology, may have rendered some of their products obsolete quickly.

Legacy:

While their time in business was relatively short-lived, Wates Bros. Ltd. made a significant mark on the early days of radio by:

• Offering a diverse range of radio components and complete sets, catering to both novice radio enthusiasts and experienced builders.
• Pioneering a modular approach to radio construction with their "Wates unit system of note magnifiers," empowering users to build their radios gradually.
• Partnering with established manufacturers like Lifford Engineering Co. to bring crucial radio components like the "Microstat" to market.

The story of Wates Bros. Ltd. reflects the dynamism of the early radio industry. It was a time where companies emerged, thrived, and sometimes struggled to keep pace with the rapid wave of innovation that shaped the future of radio technology.

[1] Electrical Review Aug 24, 1923, page 294.
[2] Popular Wireless Feb 14, 1925, Page 1431.
[3] Electrical Review Sep 5, 1924, Page 360.
[4] Radio Times Dec 5, 1924, Page 517.
[5] London Gazette Oct 1, 1926, Pages 6322 & 6323.
[6] Popular Wireless Weekly Jan 13, 1923, Page ii.