THE HISTORY OF WIGHTMAN & PARRISH

So how has our family business survived through two World Wars, economic depressions and most challenging of all – changing times?

Let’s take you back to 1915, where Wightman & Parrish began…

OUR HISTORY

Wightman & Parrish is an established independent family-run business which has been going for over 100 years. Today the organisation still holds its traditional family values whilst looking to continually improve its customer experience through innovative, forward thinking activity. 

1915

THE BEGINNING OF WIGHTMAN & PARRISH

Frederick William Parrish joined George John Wightman in January 1915 to form Wightman & Parrish; an English ironmongers based in Lewes.

1933

ERIC PARRISH BECOMES MANAGING DIRECTOR

Eric Parrish (son of Frederick) was made MD of Wightman & Parrish at 25 years old.

1959

MICHAEL PARRISH JOIN THE BOARD

Our current Chairman, joined Wightman & Parrish as Managing Director, playing an active role in the business - even to this date.

1968

BUSINESS DEVELOPS INTO INDUSTRIAL CLEANING & JANITORIAL

Wightman & Parrish won the Sussex Police Authority tender, the business took on industrial cleaning and janitorial products. “It was the beginning of the business we know today” - Michael Parrish.

1976

WIGHTMAN & PARRISH PURCHASED A WAREHOUSE IN HAILSHAM

Wightman & Parrish had outgrown its premises in Lewes and after an extensive search, found a warehouse in a nearby town called Hailsham.

1995

NICHOLAS PARRISH JOINS THE BOARD

Michael Parrish’s son Nicholas, joined the board and added healthcare equipment to the portfolio. This meant the business had to purchase more space to accommodate. The new space was opened by none other than Ray Mears.

2005

NICHOLAS PARRISH BECOMES MANAGING DIRECTOR

TODAY

THE BUSINESS TODAY IS ONE OF THE LARGEST DISTRIBUTORS IN THE SOUTH EAST

WORK FOR WIGHTMAN & PARRISH

We are always on the lookout for new talent to grow and develop our team here at Wightman & Parrish. If you believe you have something to offer, why not check out our current vacancies or contact us to find out more.


Vacancies