A little look at our history

Hirex grew out of an idea when our Chairman, Gordon McWilliams was made redundant in l963.

His background was in display and this was the route he used to earn a living on a freelance basis, alongside his teaching at Bolton Art School, Manchester Art College and Ashton School of Art. These activities eventually lead to his becoming a freelance designer for Marler Haley Ltd and a director of Nimlok Ltd.

During this time, Gordon was joined by his wife our Managing Director, Marguerite.

This was the beginning of Hirex, which started out as a partnership and lead to Hirex Ltd being incorporated in 1987.

In the early days, Gordon and Marguerite worked out of their home and a very small workshop nearby. In 1978 they moved the operation out of the home into separate premises and were joined by their son Neil, now our Production Director and shortly after by their niece Linda Dawid, who is our Graphics Director.

Sons Jonathan and Andrew joined as Sales and Design Directors and continued the strong family theme. As a number of members of staff have also been with Hirex for more than 15 years the backbone of the company is well established

Quality and attention to detail have been the watchwords since the beginning in 1963 and even with new growth areas, internal appointments and changes in the event industry this remains and will remain the focus of Hirex for the next 40 years and onward.