Colony History
The company is acquired by Mike Armstead and Simon Martin of Lighthouse Holdings Ltd.
New Co-owner Mike Armstead says "Colony is a wonderful company with great well known brands and excellent talented people. Clearly established with a lead position within the growing and broadening Home Fragrance market, Colony will benefit from independent ownership and a more entreprenurial approach."
2001
Colony Iberia is established to follow on from the success of Colony Italy.
Colony Iberia is established to follow on from the success of Colony Italy.
2000
Colony’s first European joint venture is set up with offices and a warehouse in Milan, Italy.
Colony’s first European joint venture is set up with offices and a warehouse in Milan, Italy.
1999
Colony is sold by the Williams’ to US candle multinational Blyth Industries.
Colony is sold by the Williams’ to US candle multinational Blyth Industries.
1998
Sales of the 10” taper candle, Colony’s longest running product, reach 10m units.
Sales of the 10” taper candle, Colony’s longest running product, reach 10m units.
1996
1996 also sees further expansion with the purchase of a state of the art distribution facility at Sowerby Woods in Barrow.
1996 also sees further expansion with the purchase of a state of the art distribution facility at Sowerby Woods in Barrow.
1996
Vegetable wax is first used in the production of Colony candles after an order from the Body Shop.
Vegetable wax is first used in the production of Colony candles after an order from the Body Shop.
1992
Sales of the 10” taper candle, Colony’s longest running product, reach 5m units.
Sales of the 10” taper candle, Colony’s longest running product, reach 5m units.
1990
This is also the year that Colony started to supply the large multiple chains with an order for BHS.
This is also the year that Colony started to supply the large multiple chains with an order for BHS.
The company’s expansion continues with the relocation to the present site at Lindal in Furness, Ulverston. The new facility is opened by Diana, Princess of Wales.
1989
Colony expands into Europe with its first trade show at Frankfurt Heimtex.
Colony expands into Europe with its first trade show at Frankfurt Heimtex.
1987
Total annual sales for Colony reach £1m
Total annual sales for Colony reach £1m
1985
Sales of the 10” taper candle, Colony’s longest running product, reach 1m units.
Sales of the 10” taper candle, Colony’s longest running product, reach 1m units.
1981
The Business now renamed Colonial Candles relocates to a new building near Grange over Sands.
The Business now renamed Colonial Candles relocates to a new building near Grange over Sands.
The company is founded under the name Nice Things by Alan, Sue and Jill Williams in a shed in Backbarrow, Cumbria due to Alan’s frustration at not being able to source quality candles for his hotel business.
