Ruddocks is celebrating 140 years in business. It's a huge achievement, but for a small company founded in the late 1800s, in an industry that has changed beyond recognition over the past 50 years, never mind the century before that, it's nothing short of incredible.
Standing the test of time has largely been down to successful adaptation: facing change and challenge head-on and being robust and agile enough to evolve with the changing winds of the market. More than that, it has taken determination to evolve and grow, resilience, and most importantly, the right people to make that happen.
There are several big brands still thriving today, both UK and global, that have beginnings dating back to the late Victorian era: M&S, Breitling, and Heinz, to name just a few. Formed at the tail end of the Industrial Revolution, these brands have weathered market shifts, technological leaps, and societal changes, evolving far beyond their fledgling 19th-century status. And, they all predate the internet by about a century!
So, what do enduring brands have in common?
People at the heart
Every long-standing business story is ultimately a people story. Behind the products, services, and strategies are generations of individuals who have steered these organisations through the past and helped to shape their future.
We share our founding year with retail giant M&S. And whilst comparison might appear bold as our businesses differ so vastly in terms of sector, size and reach, our stories of longevity have a lot in common.
M&S was born from very humble beginnings, by a leader whose vision and values have underpinned the brand across generations. Its success has been supported by employees who share those values, and by strategies to retain them. At Ruddocks, we know our people are the driving force behind our success. They hold the skill and the passion to serve our customers to the highest standards, and we work hard to keep them, something we're proud to say we're doing successfully: our average staff tenure currently stands at 10.7 years!
Innovation, not imitation
Staying relevant for 140 years requires more than just heritage; it demands evolution. Brands that have successfully grown over time don't simply keep doing what they have always done; they consistently reinvent themselves to stay meaningful.
We also share our founding year with premium watch brand Breitling. Proudly rooted in tradition and craftsmanship, Breitling has consistently redefined itself through technology, maintaining its position at the forefront of precision timekeeping and style. The brand carved a niche in the aviation industry, supplying cockpit instruments to major aircraft manufacturers in the 1930s and later becoming an official supplier to the Royal Air Force. While remaining faithful to its aviation heritage, Breitling has broadened its appeal by responding to customer needs, simplifying its product range, and embracing inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring it remains a relevant and aspirational brand today.
Similarly, Coca-Cola, founded in 1886 and recognised by 94% of the world's population, has stayed at the top by continuously innovating and evolving the customer experience. From its iconic formula, classic packaging, and distinctive font, to memorable marketing campaigns like the Santa Claus advert, the brand has also diversified its product range to meet changing consumer preferences. These efforts have helped build strong emotional connections with its customers, playing a key role in its continued success.
Evolving without losing identity
It's a balancing act to adapt to changing trends without losing the essence of who you are. Breitling continues to honour its aviation heritage, and M&S remains synonymous with unwavering quality, with M&S Food becoming a clear differentiator that has helped to support the ongoing success of the overall M&S brand.
Heinz, founded in 1869, is another strong example of evolution with integrity, having mastered the art of leveraging nostalgia and heritage. From pioneering the concept of sealed glass bottles to maintaining the iconic '57 Varieties' slogan introduced in 1896, it has consistently adapted to new markets and trends without losing its core identity.
At Ruddocks, we've taken a similar path. From our traditional printing roots, we have evolved into a creative production agency, supporting our clients with everything from printed and digital marketing to brand creation, consultation and data-driven marketing automation. Our bespoke marketing platforms and sustainable solutions, combined with a customer, staff and community-centric approach, reflect how we've evolved, while staying true to the principles and values that define us.
Purpose and resilience
Longevity isn't about avoiding tough times, it's about navigating through them and emerging stronger than before.
M&S's early success was built on an equal commitment to quality and value. After a period of decline around 2020, a renewed focus on these fundamental principles, adapted for relevance to today's consumer, helped to deliver a 41% profit increase for 2023-24, earning the brand both Marketing Week's and BrandZ's UK Brand of the year awards in 2024.
Another key to M&S's resilience has been its consistent investment in advertising, even during challenging times, ensuring its brand stays front and centre. M&S Chief executive Stuart Machin commented recently in the Retail Gazette that "our plan is working. We are becoming more relevant, to more people, more of the time."
While brands like M&S have evolved through scale and reinvention, and Ruddocks has built on creative adaptability and strong client relationships, not all successful 1880s-born brands operate purely in commercial spaces. Lincoln City Football Club, founded in 1884, is proof that purpose-driven brands can thrive anywhere. As a successful community brand, Lincoln City has always prioritised relationships and supporters, while still finding smart, sustainable ways to maximise commercial opportunities and secure its future.
Throughout the decades, Lincoln City has weathered cycles of hardship and recovery, with resilience always at its core. From early on, the club understood that the local community would be vital to its survival and growth. Even through tough times, in the 1960s, the early 2000s, and beyond, they found creative ways to keep fans engaged and revenue flowing. Their pioneering spirit was evident right from the start, too, playing a key role in helping to establish the second tier of English football back in the late 19th century.
Why 140 matters and the next chapter
We are living in an era where short-term wins and fast growth often take priority over building something that lasts. But looking back on our own story, and those of worldwide brands that have endured across centuries, reminds us that great businesses are built differently.
They are built on purpose.
On strong values.
On resilient leadership.
On passionate people.
And on a clear long-term vision.
At Ruddocks, we're proud of where we've come from, but we're even more excited about where we're going.
We're always evolving, investing, and growing with a commitment to sustainability, innovation and creativity.
Because longevity isn't just about looking back. It's about focusing on using our strengths to build forward, for our clients, our team, and the generations still to come.
To discover more about our own history and legacy of craftsmanship, check out our blog about celebrating 140 years of Ruddocks!