Our Story - Hallis Hudson
With specialised knowledge built over four generations, we like to think we are a different kind of company, we are family-owned and led. The Soper family are focused on providing customer satisfaction and strive to create long lasting customer relationships. You are very important to us, and whether we’ve had the pleasure of your company for many years or you’re new to Hallis, as your partner we feel it’s our role to support you and your business. We offer a full spectrum of services to help your business run smoothly, we aim to be a one-stop-shopping experience for your convenience. We’ve built our business around yours and our priority is to provide exceptional service through our friendly, knowledgeable sales team, our dedication to product development, and our bespoke services enabling you to tailor our products to meet your needs or timescales. Our family values and passion to deliver an excellent personal service are at the heart of everything we do, and our extended Hallis family is always on hand to help.
Look back at our Story which began in 1890...
1890
W.A. Hudson founded in Shoreditch, London, on the appropriately named Curtain Road. The area was key to the Furniture Industry, as a centre of production and its commercial heart.
1899
Nothing but the best! H.R.H Duchess of York, had Cornice Poles from Hudson in her residences. So impressed she wrote to the company to let them know she was “Very Pleased with your poles.”
1904
Even the delivery notes were works of art. The City Drapery Store of Oxford made a purchase of Springs on April 16th 1904.
1905
W.A. produced its first catalogue, images of the products were all hand drawn, in beautiful detail.
1910
The first two and three colour printing process were developed in 1910, and the company was quick to develop their first beautifully illustrated colour catalogue.
1932
The arrival of ‘electricity for all’ transformed the company’s works, prior to that it was run on steam and gas.
1951
The Rolls brand advertised here in 1951, was originally established in 1890. Hudson’s advertisements could often be found in the national press.
1952
Hallis Textiles was founded in Preston by John Soper and his father. John began working at the age of 17, his dad went out selling and he ran the business. John built up his extraordinary knowledge of the company working in every department. Later John would be joined by Lorraine his wife and his sons. Three generations of Soper’s have built Hallis into the company it is today, and it’s still a family-owned business.
1954
Following her coronation in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip set off on their 1954 Tour of Australia. A newly decorated royal train featured stylish Rolls Runner curtain tracks.
1955
Not only did Hallis and Hudson develop their own product ranges, but John also believed in offering customers choice, and worked with premium brands to provide the very best selection, quality, and innovation.
1960
The first Ideal Home exhibition was held in 1908 at the Olympia exhibition centre, in 1960 W.A. Hudson exhibited. The 1960s was an era of forward-looking fashion and the first man on the moon, yet the most popular house style of the period was mock Georgian. The show was attended by over 1.5 million visitors.
1985
7th March 1985 saw the Merger of Hallis Textiles and W.A. Hudson. The company still in Preston moved to Bushell Street, one of original cotton mills. Preston has long been associated with cotton since John Horrocks built his first spinning mill there in 1791. Its perhaps one of the things that inspired the Soper family to get involved with textiles and become lining converters, building on the area’s rich heritage.
1987
The first Hallis catalogue arrived hot off the press.
1992
April saw the arrival of the very first WFN – Window Furnishing News. As well as the latest launches and industry news, the magazine featured our very own Alice n Hudson….
1992
The Preston Bypass which opened in 1958 was the first UK motorway, designed to create a north south network its arrival opened up new territories for Hallis. With the arrival of TNT in the early 90’s things expanded quickly as overnight services meant goods come be in London or the South the very next day.
1995
The family firm grew, and John Soper was joined by his sons. Russell dealt with the creative aspects, whilst Alastair worked in all areas of the business, learning the ropes just as his dad had done. His understanding of all areas of the business stood him in good stead and he is now Managing Director, and John Soper is chairman.
2001
2001 was a low point for Hallis Hudson, going into administration. The company left Bushell Mill to consolidate its resources, and moved into the Red Scar site, the distribution site of Hallis. Despite the gloom, the company worked hard to maintain its relationships, and with everyone’s support they re-build the business.
2004
The world was changing, and the company recognised the potential of the web. John was fascinated by the access it granted him, and the opportunities it created to talk directly to customers, and later shop online.
2007
The business was streamlined with a brand-new operating system. Hallis invested in a new computer system ensuring the successful, smooth running of the business and improving customer service. A process the company has undergone again fully updating the systems in 2024.
2010
Having sold and made bespoke products for a number of years, Hallis recognised the increasing demand for made to measure products and opened a larger specialist department. This skilled team builds premium products to customers exact specifications, and to some of the quickest and most reliable delivery times in the industry.
2014
Hallis had been working in partnership with Silent Gliss and Sunflex for several years offering product training seminars. As the popularity of blinds grew and the laws around Child safety strengthened Hallis began offering tailored seminars to help customers navigate the new laws and systems.
2016
Needing more warehousing space than B1 Red Scar could accommodate, Hallis signed contracts for an additions 17,550 Sq. feet, on the same industrial estate. The company set about transforming the space to fit new offices and additional warehouse space.
2020
National Lockdowns began in March 2020 as the nation tried to protect itself from the Coronavirus pandemic. Non essential businesses like Hallis had to close its doors. It was a worrying time for all, but we ensured our staff were ok and thanks to the support of our team and our customers we navigated through it.
2022
In June 2023 Tuffnell’s went into administration having a very detrimental impact on deliveries within our industry, as they were one of the few carriers who would accept longer length parcels. To protect our customers future deliveries we created The Hallis Network, a bespoke network of national and regional carriers supported by local couriers to get your parcels to you safe and sound.
2023
Hallis began a new partnership with Blind Screen. As the exclusive manufacturing partner for this innovative blind system created by Blind Screen Hallis invested in
a new manufacturing unit on the Red Scar estate and created a new department to meet the demand of this very popular product.
2024
Once again, the business invested heavily in the latest operating systems and a brand-new website. New internal systems will streamline the business and improve performance, whilst the new website offers new features, capabilities, and enhanced security. The new systems are future proof ensuring that as technologies develop the systems can update and move with the times.
Over 130 Years...
For over 130 years Hallis Hudson has been making British windows and homes look great. Hallis Hudson has the same values it always had, it’s a family-owned business dedicated to providing a professional and friendly service. Our specialist knowledge has been built up over three generations of the Soper family, and the fourth has now joined the journey. The Soper family are proud of the dedicated team at Hallis, as we work to create long lasting relationships with you, our customers. Without which none of this would be possible, so, thank you.