Lighting up the skies since 1891
Reporter: Beatriz Ayala
Date published: 04 November 2008
REMEMBER, remember the fifth of November — it seems many people are still taking heed of the famous phrase.
Oldhamers have been crossing the Pennines to stock up on rockets and Roman candles direct from the headquarters of Standard Fireworks.
And the future looks sparkling for the Huddersfield firm which was created by wholesale draper James Greenhalgh in 1891.
He saw there was money to be made selling fireworks in the weeks before Guy Fawkes Night and used miners, keen to supplement their wage, to make the explosives.
Supplies were brought in from China and arrived at Huddersfield by barge.
The business proved so successful that Mr Greenhalgh bought an old stone quarry site at Crossland Hill in 1910.
This new base provided him with the space he needed as well as purpose-built stores for the gunpowder used in quarrying.
Standard’s headquarters remains at the same quarry today and the 43 acre site is used as a distribution centre and marketing base.
Since 1998 the fireworks have been made in China, Standard having been bought by Chinese company Black Cat Fireworks.
About 80 people remain on site creating new product lines, testing different types of fireworks and ensuring supermarkets are stocked with family favourites.
Laura Peters, head of marketing, said: “The run-up to November is our busiest time but fireworks is a year-round business.
“We have already begun developing new products for next year and 2010, while mindful of legislation changes.”
From bangers to bombs, Roman candles and Catherine wheels, tastes have changed as has the way fireworks are made.
Gone are the rockets with powerful explosions, a result of EU legislation.
And families are now selecting single ignition fireworks, which offer colourful displays, rather than lighting several fireworks separately.
Standard has seen spending rise for each firework sale from an average £45 to £60.
And fireworks are now popular at birthdays and weddings as well as new year and religious festivals such as Eid and Diwali.
Despite the changes, Mrs Peters is sure the enduring excitement and tradition of bonfire night will continue to thrill families for decades to come.
She said: “People need a bit of cheering up these days and this is a traditional British event that gets passed down through families.
“People still get excited by fireworks and enjoy the lights, colours and the sounds as it takes them back to their own childhood.
“Standard is constantly in the process of developing better products and, as long as people follow safety advice, there will always be a place for fireworks.”
