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150 years strong: Nicholls & Clarke says it marks historic milestone

025 has been an exciting year for the than 60 private commercial vehicles, over of our team to continue to strengthen the
2Nicholls & Clarke Group (N&C) as it 30 national executives and more than business and to pave the way for the next
proudly celebrates its 150th anniversary, 400 employees employed in the UK and 150 years.
says the company. Europe. ‘It’s this spirit of curiosity and
‘Founded in 1875, we’ve grown from Says the company: ‘Many of the original improvement that has forever been a
strength-to-strength in the building core values remain within Nicholls & cornerstone of the business’ growth,
materials industry, embarking on a Clarke, instilled by the forefathers of the driving their ability to meet the challenges
journey that took us from being a single- business, Sam Nicholls and Henry Clarke. of an ever-changing marketplace.
site builders and glass merchant from It’s the people throughout history who are Fostering long-term relationships with
Shoreditch High Street, London into a at the heart of Nicholls & Clarke, driving customers, suppliers, and industry
national distributor, manufacturer, retailer, its success. From the skilled craftsmen partners, we have built a robust
exporter of a wide range of building and professionals of the early days to foundation that ensures continued
materials, while continually growing as a the talented chemists, the experts with success. Our ability to adapt and grow
builders’ merchant.’ incredible experience built over the years,
Nicholls & Clarke was formed in 1875 the new members bursting with ideas and has enabled the business to thrive for a
as a glass, lead, oil and colour merchant enthusiasm, the customer facing team century and a half.’
by Sam Nicholls. The company, based in that help inspire and provide solutions, According to David Forbes, chairman
Shoreditch for 120 years, has diversified in the operatives that fuel the operation, the of Nicholls & Clarke Group: ‘It’s been the
more ways than one, reportedly becoming scientific discoveries in the labs over the expertise, commitment, and passion of
the chosen providers of building supplies 150 years that have enabled them to be our people that has remained evident
across many market sectors, including recognised as inventors and innovators throughout history, they’ve been
commercial, residential, RMI and retail, within our markets.’ fundamental in shaping the company
with its brands said to be used in many Continues the company: ‘In a business we are today. It has also been about
significant and high-profile projects. where voices are heard, the board adapting to market, going against the tide
Today, the business operates with continue to hold true many of the values sometimes and staying relevant to our
16 retail showrooms, four distribution that have reigned over the decades, with customers and industry.’ 
centres, five manufacturing facilities, more an open-door policy to enable the passion www.nichollsandclarke.com

12 CFJ December 2025 www.contractflooringjournal.co.uk
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