Longbottom and Co (Keighley) Ltd began life in Lawkholme Lane in 1927, founded by Herbert Longbottom. He died in 1936, and in 1937 Derek Longbottom joined the firm at the tender age of 15.

The following year the manager died, and Mr Longbottom effectively took control of the company, helped for many years by accountants Stanley Laycock, of Robertshaw & Myers, and Norman Sutcliffe of Stirk Lambert.

His sister, Gladys, also worked in the office for 10 years until she got married.

Longbottoms specialises in pipe clips and brackets, and fittings for tubes, rods and cables, mainly for the plumbing and heating trades.

"We supply all over the country and export to various parts of the world," says Mr Longbottom.

"We are not a big company, but we have been fairly successful and we have all made a living over the years."

Mr Longbottom started work in the press shop, making dies and setting up tools. He has also worked in packaging and sales, which involved travelling throughout the country to meet customers.

The company, based at Dalton Mills since 1951, now employs 15 people, although at its peak in the 1980s the workforce was around 40.

In 1951 Mr Longbottom was joined by partners Philip Tyas and Sam Mawer, in a partnership which lasted for more than 30 years until the company was taken over by Regon Ltd of Oxfordshire in 1986.

Mr Longbottom was then given a three-year contract but stayed on for 12 years. "Now I'm a bit long in the tooth," he says.

"I feel it is about time I retired after more than 40 years as managing director. I will be able to spend a bit more time gardening with my wife Joyce."

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