Samuel Greg chose this site because

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After years of experience in textile manufacturing, and a lucky boost of confidence due to finance, in 1783, Samuel Greg made several journeys into the countryside around Manchester searching for a suitable site where he might build a new mill. The site at Styal seemed ideal to accomplish its sole purpose; to make profit. The aim of this essay is to investigate all the factors Greg considered whilst selecting the site, in the hope that we can then find out why he chose to build the mill there, why he chose to build at time and why he built a mill at all. It is important to investigate all the aspects in detail so we can then have a clear understanding of his success. Issues include his upbringing, geography, finance and luck. If we delve deep into all the information and research, these factors link together to make a strong conclusion.

Samuel Greg had an advantage over other manufacturers, however, he may not have realised it at the time. Greg was born in 1758, the third son of a Belfast merchant and ship owner. Although generally successful in his business ventures, Thomas Greg often endured periods of financial difficulty, which then caused Samuel and his 12 other siblings to suffer. In 1766 when he was 8 years old, Robert Hyde, Samuel Greg’s uncle, who was childless, offered to adopt his nephew. Thomas Greg readily accepted. This was a significant event in the story of Quarry Bank Mill because Robert Hyde himself owned a merchant manufacturing business in Manchester, dealing primarily in fustian, a cloth produced using both linen and cotton. Nearly 30% of the cotton spinning factories set up in the North of England during the early part of Industrial revolution were headed by Manchester fustian merchants. Samuel entered the business, first as a European traveller in 1778, then in 1780, Samuel became a junior partner in the firm, and finally a sole owner two years later. In 1782 Robert Hyde died. His brother Nataniel was unable to carry on the business due to ill health. Thus, Samuel, who was now 25 years old, already had a background in textile manufacturing and was a partner in a firm based in central Manchester. He inherited a total of £26,000 when Robert Hyde died, which gave him a kickstart and, despite also inheriting his successful business, the money gave him a boost in confidence towards starting his own business elsewhere. This provided Samuel Greg with good experience and a financial understanding.

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Samuel Greg was an entrepreneur, which meant he was a risk taker. Greg had a genius mind and therefore knew to take advantage of opportunities when they came around. This meant that when his Uncle left him his inheritance he seized his chance to create a money making investment. He saw that the Mill could be successful with his money and past experience. Greg was able to determine the difference between costs and income, which is why Quarry Bank Mill was so successful and created the profit it did.


To begin with, Samuel Greg inherited nearly £30,000 on Robert Hyde’s ...

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