Technology is advancing at a rapid pace, which means that businesses need to adapt quickly if they are to continue to thrive. But this is no easy feat and many brands struggle to keep up.
However, there are some businesses that have overcome the tests of time and flourished – here are five of the best.
1) Twinings
Tea manufacturer Twinings has been providing tea products to the public since 1706 and has gone from strength to strength ever since.
The company prides itself on challenging the status quo of tea and this is evident through its wide product range, which includes chai tea, fruit tea and just about any tea you can think of.
It’s a business that has embraced modern methods of communication and advertising, and this has been key to its growth. For instance, in 2011 it joined Facebook and in 2014 it upgraded its website to a mobile-friendly version.
2) Lock & Co.
Established in 1676, Lock & Co is the oldest hat shop in the world.
The company has built up a strong reputation which has seen its headwear worn by famous historical figures such as Winston Churchill, known for his trademark Homburg hat.
Lock & Co is a business that has moved with the times, developing contemporary ranges such as the Lock & Roll collection of tweed hats and caps and working with top designers such as Vivienne Westwood.
3) Hormel Foods
Food products provider Hormel Foods has grown from a small store in Minnesota selling fresh pork products into a Fortune 500 company manufacturing food and meat products globally.
The company was founded in 1891 and its legacy of innovation has seen it become a market leader. For example, in 1926 it developed the world's first canned ham and in 1973 it was the first meat packing company to include nutritional information on packaging.
4) Jim Beam
Jim Beam produce the world’s most popular bourbon whiskey. The company was founded in 1795 by Jacob Beam, who began selling his father’s whiskey recipe.
The business continues to be run by the Beam family, with each generation contributing to its growth. For example, David Beam helped turn the business into a national brand by moving the distillery closer to rail and telegraph lines, enabling it to reach a greater audience.
5) Ormiston Wire
Wire manufacturing company Ormiston Wire was founded in 1793 by Scotsman James Ormiston.
Ormiston saw a gap in the market for using spring-wire in the production of corsets and wigs and set up shop in London.
The business is now run by descendent Mark Ormiston. And the key to its success seems to be down to its ability to find innovative uses for wire across a range of industries.
What are your favourite long-standing businesses? Share them in the comments section.
