A celebration of history, community, and innovation

Ruddocks has kick-started a year-long celebration to mark its 140 years in business. 

Lincoln’s equally historic White Hart Hotel hosted the event for clients, staff, long-time partners, and members of the Ruddock family, 

Managing director Paul Banton commented: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us to celebrate this remarkable milestone. It’s been a privilege to be part of Ruddocks for the past 25 years. I’m incredibly proud of the organisation we’ve become and all we’ve achieved since 1884. Thank you to everyone who’s made our story so special!”

Ruddocks' journey began in 1884, when John William Ruddock and his colleague E. Keyworth took over Charles Akrill’s printing business in Lincoln. As the 20th century unfolded, Ruddocks quickly became a trusted supplier for the growing engineering, agriculture, and railway industries. In 1904, a pivotal move to consolidate operations at 286/7 High Street paved the way for new growth and expansion.

The company’s resilience saw it through the two world wars, economic shifts, and evolving technologies, leading to expansion into markets in London, Birmingham, and even overseas. By the 1950s, Ruddocks was at the forefront of industry advancements, embracing new technologies such as offset lithography in the 1980s to meet the demands of its growing client base.

The new millennium ushered in a creative evolution, transforming Ruddocks into a fully integrated design and print agency, with services expanding to include branding, digital printing, marketing campaigns, and website design and development. 

The transition to a creative production agency in 2023 further cemented the company’s commitment to offering comprehensive creative solutions to clients such as copywriting, merchandise, animation, and marketing automation, to name but a few.

As Ruddocks celebrates its 140th anniversary, the company remains focused on innovation and sustainability. With goals such as achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, it is committed to a future that balances responsible business practices with the quality and craftsmanship that have defined its legacy since 1884.

For more see  https://bit.ly/Ruddocks140history

Pictures show: top - Henry Ruddock (second left) celebrating with family.

below – the compositing room at the back of Ruddocks High Street store in 1956.