This man started business with small cycle repair shop, built Rs 40000000000 business empire of…, company operates in…
GH News January 06, 2025 09:06 PM
Cecil Kimber born in 1888 lived through a transformative period in British history spanning the late Victorian era the Industrial Revolution and the aftermath of World War II. Raised in the suburbs of Manchester Kimber grew up in a family involved in the printing business. Despite challenges including a strained relationship with his father Kimber pursued his interests in photography and sailing during his youth.
A turning point in his life came in 1910 when a severe motorcycle accident left him with one leg shorter than the other. Despite this setback Kimber remained undeterred. The insurance settlement from the accident allowed him to purchase more motorcycles and eventually cars fueling his enthusiasm for motor vehicles. Around this time personal tragedies also struck; he lost his mother to cancer and faced difficulties in his relationship with his father over business matters. However by 1915 Kimber was married to Renee and financially stable enough to own a Singer automobile which he proudly used for minor competitions in both cars and motorcycles.
Kimbers foray into the automotive industry seemed inevitable. After holding various positions in the motor trade he joined William Morris in 1921 as the Sales Manager for Morris Garages a prominent car dealership in Oxford. Far from being a modest operation Morris Garages was a significant enterprise that modified existing Morris vehicles to meet customer demands. Kimber’s talent for innovation and his vision for cars soon led to the creation of entirely new vehicles based on Morris and Wolseley components such as engines and transmissions.
This experience ultimately culminated in Kimber founding the MG Car Company. Under his leadership MG achieved remarkable success both on and off the racetrack becoming synonymous with British sports cars. However his career met an abrupt and unfortunate end when he was dismissed at the height of his achievements.
Who Was William Richard Morris?
William Richard Morris later known as Lord Nuffield was a pioneering British industrialist who significantly influenced the automotive industry. Born on October 10 1877 in Worcester England he began his career as a bicycle repairer and seller. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to expand into motorcycle and car repairs eventually establishing Morris Garages in Oxford.
In 1912 Morris introduced the first car bearing his name the Bullnose Morris Oxford. By focusing on affordable and reliable vehicles he revolutionized car manufacturing in the UK much like Henry Ford did in the United States. Morris Motors Ltd. founded in 1919 quickly became the UKs leading car manufacturer holding a 51% share of the home market by 1924.
In 1923 Morris Garages began producing sportier versions of Morris cars leading to the creation of the first MG (Morris Garages) car. This venture laid the foundation for the MG Car Company renowned for its sports cars.
Beyond his automotive ventures Morris was a notable philanthropist. He was elevated to the peerage as Baron Nuffield in 1934 and later became Viscount Nuffield in 1938. He established the Nuffield Foundation contributing significantly to medical research and education. Morris passed away on August 22 1963 leaving behind a legacy of innovation and generosity. According to media reports the company has reached Rs 40 thousand crores after a successful business journey.