Northern Ireland's Oldest Family Businesses
Family Business United are committed to compiling and maintaining a record of the oldest family businesses across Northern Ireland and below you will find the current listing of the oldest family firms in the country, going back generations and representing thousands of years of familial ownership and leadership.
In compiling the listings, we have used various means to make it as comprehensive and accurate as possible. However, due to the fact that there is no legal requirement to disclose the status of the underlying ownership in business it is not an easy process. We used our networks, connections at trade bodies and extensive desktop research to determine the oldest family businesses but are not able to say unequivocally that there are not a few other hidden gems out there. From time to time another long-standing family firm is brought to our attention and after the necessary research and confirmations have been obtained, the business is added and the list updated.
If you are aware of a family business that needs to be considered for inclusion then please do not hesitate to get in touch so that we can update the list accordingly.
W.& R. Barnett, Limited
1896
W&R Barnett was founded in 1896 as a grain merchant in Northern Ireland. It has since grown into a fourth-generation family-owned holding company with diverse, international interests in agribusiness, commodity trading, and industrial businesses.
Henderson Wholesale Limited
1897
John Henderson began in the retail grocery business back in 1897 selling butter, cheese, and eggs at premises on the Old Lodge Road in Belfast. Mr. Henderson was a well-known figure and frequently judged cheese and butter categories at the annual Balmoral Show. The Henderson Group remains in the retail grocery business more than 120 years on, but has expanded and diversified significantly.
S.J.C. Hutchinson (Engineering) Limited
1971
Hutchinson Engineering, a prominent family-owned manufacturing firm based in Kilrea, Northern Ireland.
NEWCEL PAPER CONVERTERS LIMITED
1973
Newcel Paper was established in 1973 and is a multi-award winning, third generation family owned business, which manufactures branded and private label disposable paper products for the Foodservice, Hygiene, Janitorial and Cash and Carry sectors throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe.
McNicholl Caravans Limited
1980
McNicholl Caravans Ltd is an award-winning, family-run business based in Northern Ireland that has specialised in static caravans and holiday homes since 1980. Led by Managing Director Michael McNicholl, the company provides a comprehensive range of services from its headquarters in Magherafelt.
Connollys Of Moy Ltd
1994
Connollys of Moy, a prominent family-run furniture retailer in Northern Ireland, was founded by Vivion Connolly, with his first shop opening in 1994. The business, located in Moy, County Tyrone, specializes in sofas, beds, and dining suites.
DELI-LITES (IRELAND) LIMITED
1998
Deli Lites was founded in 1998 by husband-and-wife team Brian and Jackie Reid, starting in Northern Ireland to create fresh, gourmet "food-to-go" products for convenience stores, supermarkets, and airlines.
REGEN WASTE LIMITED
2003
Re-Gen began its journey in 2004 as an integrated recycling and waste management company, and has processed over 1.5 million tonnes of waste. In this short time, Re-Gen has developed one of Europe’s most advanced materials recovery facilities.
Mash Direct Limited
2004
Mash Direct is a Northern Irish family-run farming and food production company that specialises in gluten-free, vegetable-based side dishes and ready-to-eat meals. Founded in 2004 by Martin and Tracy Hamilton, the business uses steam-cooking techniques on their family farm in Comber to preserve the nutrients and flavour of heritage vegetable varieties.
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