Walking Tour with Tom Levitt: The Business of History

Who were the entrepreneurs that established London as a centre of commerce in the 19th century? Tom Levitts book, The Business of History, tells 32 company stories and draws lessons from their experience. Most of the 32 are household names - WHSmith, Schweppes and Bass actually started in the 18th century - whilst others (Pears soap, Boots, Dunlop, Hovis) have become iconic. Whilst only 4 of the 32 original businesses survive today (BP, GSK, Unilever and WHSmith) most continue simply as brand names. In this two-hour walk Tom introduces you to 18 of the businesses and their varied and entertaining histories.Please meet Tom outside 180 Studios on Aldwych for a prompt 2.30 start.Books available
Signed copies of The Business of History by Tom LevittAccessibility:
Please let us know if you have any Accessibility requirements.The Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words 2026 is headline sponsored by Landsec & MYOAbout Fleet Street Quarter:
Fleet Street Quarter is a Business Improvement District championing one of Londons most iconic areas. Spanning Fleet Street and its surrounding destinations - including Chancery Lane, Holborn, Ludgate Hill and New Street Square - the Quarter is collaboratively being shaped into a vibrant place to live, work and explore. This is an area alive with innovation, vision and a rich cultural history a place where stories have always been born.Find out more:
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