Here is a sample of a few of the brands featured in the exhibition:
Aviva
Thomas Bignold established Norwich Union in 1797, spotting a
gap in the market when nobody in the region would insure him
against the threat of highwaymen. The business expanded to
offer a wide range of policies and acquired insurance brands
across the globe, eventually becoming the fourth most valuable
insurance brand in the world by the time it changed its name to
Aviva in the 2000s.
Bread Source
The independent bakery, Bread Source, was founded by
husband and wife Steve and Hannah in 2010 to produce
hand-crafted, additive-free bread using high-quality ingredients.
In just over two decades, the business has grown from a small
bakery with market pitches to a regionally recognised brand
with four outlets, wholesale provision and a delivery service.
Colman's
A household name, Colman’s mustard was founded in 1814
when Jeremiah Colman began making mustard at a water mill
in the village of Bawburgh. Now owned by Unilever, Colman’s is
one of the oldest food brands in the UK and was produced in
and around Norwich for two centuries before relocating in 2018.
Gnaw
In 2011, husband and wife Matt and Teri started handcrafting
Gnaw chocolate for their Norwich sweet shop because they
found the other chocolate brands they stocked a bit boring.
From its head office in Norwich, Gnaw has since expanded to
supply chocolate across three continents.
Jarrold
Jarrold is an independent, family business that has traded for
over 250 years. Starting out as a grocer and draper in Suffolk,
the business established itself in Norwich in 1823, diversifying
into farming, printing and business services whilst most recently
developing a food hall and restaurants within its popular
department store.
Kettle Foods
In 1978, Kettle Foods started selling snacks in Oregan, USA,
before eventually creating their signature homemade Kettle
Chips. After a trip to the UK in 1987, founder Cameron saw the
nation’s love of crisps and decided to relocate his business
close to potato farmers in Norfolk.
Lotus
Founded in 1948, Lotus is an iconic producer
of sports and racing cars. The factory moved
to Norfolk in 1966 where its cars continued
to compete as Team Lotus – one of the most
successful racing teams of all time. Over 90,000
cars have been produced at the Hethel site, which
continues to develop excitement “for the drivers”.
Norwich City Football Club
Norwich City Football Club was formed in 1902 and has been a
prominent competitor in English football since first being
promoted to the top tier in 1972. The iconic ‘On the Ball, City’
anthem is the oldest football song still in use today and the
nickname ‘Canaries’ comes from a history of breeding the birds
in Norwich.
Start-Rite
Start-Rite was founded in Norwich in 1792 and went on to
become one of the city’s largest shoemakers under the name
‘Southalls’. In 1921, they produced their first children’s shoe
under the designation ‘Start-Rite’ and from there the company
grew to become the leading brand of children’s shoes,
bolstered by the advertising power of the iconic ‘Start-Rite
twins’ poster of the 1960s.