Japanese connections in the 1970s

Donald Hanson recalled that as a Director of Illingworth, Morris, who had their headquarters at Salts Mill, the group had some good times and bad times. In the 1970’s the United Kingdom was experiencing economic difficulties, interest rates were high and, with the discovery of North Sea Oil the pound began to appreciate.

One of the group’s manufacturers specialised in mohair fabrics and enjoyed a good trade in overseas markets, in particular with Japan. To enhance this trade Donald decided to mount a selling trip to Japan because in addition to the fabric business, Woolcombers had a big market in Japan for certain wools. He took a team of fourteen people to Japan.   Illingworth, Morris had a very good agent there, a Mr. Mashito. At Donald’s request Mr. Mashito organised three very successful events where his team were invited to meet various influential people who could give the group more trade. These took place in three major cities, Tokyo, Nagasaki and Osaka.

Donald had spent some time learning Japanese in order to make a welcome speech in each city to the delegates. The first meeting in Tokyo was quite successful but during his speech of welcome the delegates continued talking to each other. This happened again in the next city so by the third meeting Donald decided to speak in English and, this time, the delegates were quiet. Mr. Mashito explained that the Japanese business men wanted to demonstrate that they could understand and listen to another language. The trip was successful, and trade with the then owners of Salts Mill continued with Japan for some time.