Bristol, 1841. Brunel's grand GWR Terminus at Temple Meads.
In 1842 John McArthur married local barrister's daughter Susan Dayrell, who bore him nine children. The McArthur dynasty had begun.
With Bristol premises at Charlotte Steet in Queen Square, the McArthur business flourished. Having already survived a decade of depression during the 1840s, a more buoyant economy led to rapid expansion.
HW 9100 McArthur motor-cycle
delivery service in the 1930's
John McArthur's connections with the Scottish iron trade proved particularly useful during the lean years. Iron production was booming, particularly in Scotland, and there was a huge demand for raw materials for railway construction. But competition was fierce and success depended on being able to provide the best quality materials at the right price.
John McArthur died at the age of 58 leaving an establised business in trust for his family. His sones Donald and Allan joined the firm in 1866, and 1887, and the firm continued to prosper.
James McArthur
Highly thought of by his contemporaries John McArthur had a reputation for being "an amiable, high minded and honorable man of business" and this added to the company's growing success. Good will, integrity and reliability were among the many qualities highly valued by the firm's growing list of clients.
"Today, Despite our dramatic growth, the McArthur Group remains a family concern. The balance we have achieved between the raditional values of care and consideration for staff and customers and at the same time running the business using modern management practices, demonstrates this company's spirit of co operation in the workplace.
I think this co operative spirit has been an important ingredient in our success over the years and I'm sure John McArthur would agree if he were alive today."
- A R Dayrell McArthur
