Why could the site of Quarry Bank Mill be successfully developed by Samuel Greg?

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Why could the site of Quarry Bank Mill be successfully developed by Samuel Greg?

Quarry Bank Mill was first established by Samuel Greg in 1784, and soon developed into a flourishing industrial settlement.  But why was the site of QBM so successful?

To begin developing the business, Greg needed a site, and QBM was suitable for many reasons.  Firstly, Styal was situated near several good power and transport links.  The River Bollin provided continuous waterpower, and by damming it Greg was able to conserve unused waterpower.  The Bridgewater Canal and roads nearby improved the transport of cotton to the factory.  Secondly, the site was large enough to accommodate workers plus QBM itself.  Also, the site was significantly cheaper than sites located further south, as northern sites were cheaper at that time.  Moreover, the site had some workers who could weave fustian (Lancashire fabric with linen as warp and cotton as weft thread).  Fustian weavers were considered very skilled, which proved to be useful in Greg’s target industry.  

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However, to put these workers into action, and to get the site running, Greg needed the technology to weave yarn quickly and efficiently.  Arkwright’s water frame was ideal for this, but Greg was unable to use it until the mid-1780s, when Arkwright’s patent expired.  The River Bollin powered this water wheel into production.  Then, in 1830, a steam engine provided QBM with a continuous power source, which was much more reliable than waterpower in drought conditions.

But to buy this machine (and the site), Greg needed capital, gained mainly through familial links.  Initially, he received capital from his ...

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