They are among the oldest businesses in the North West, all of which have been running for at least a century and in some cases hundreds of years.
Many are still owned by the same family, with the expertise that has made them such a success having been passed down through several generations.
They include pubs, restaurants, breweries, ice cream makers, sweet manufacturers, jewellery shops, chemists, department stores and more.
Many have fascinating stories behind them, from sibling rivalries to young love and daring adventures.
One featured on a Channel 4 show, one holds a royal warrant and another’s signature tipple was once named Britain’s favourite beer.
This is not a definitive list of the oldest businesses across the north west of England but it includes many of the region’s best known and best loved family firms which are still running today.
How many of these businesses do you know and were you aware of the history behind them?
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5. TJ Hughes
The discount department store chain was founded by Thomas John Hughes on London Road, Liverpool, in 1912. At its peak, the firm had 57 stores across the country but today it has 15, including one on Church Street, Liverpool, close to where it began life. | submitted Photo: submitted
6. RS Clare
The historic lubricant firm RS Clare began life in Liverpool in 1748 as a chemist, druggist and dry-salter. It diversified over the years, developing a range of oils and greases to keep engines and gearboxes running smoothly. Today it still produces speciality greases for the rail, oil and gas industry. | RS Clare Photo: RS Clare
7. Jawbone Tavern
The Jawbone Tavern was established in 1802 and claims to be the oldest pub in the Merseyside town of Bootle. Named after the whaling fleets which were based at Bootle docks, it is today a popular live music venue. | Google Photo: Google
8. Mr Thomas's Chophouse and Sam's Chophouse
Brothers Thomas and Samuel Studd came to Manchester from London in the 1860s and established their first chop house on Cockpit Hill, off Market Street. After a disagreement, Thomas left to open his New Chop House on Cross Street, which is now Mr Thomas's Chop House, in November 1867. The original restaurant was renamed Sam's London Chop House, under his sole ownership, before the 'London' was removed and it moved to new premises on Market Street. In 1963, Sam's moved again to the junction of Chapel Walks and Black Pool Fold, where it remains today. Both Mr Thomas's Chop House and Sam's Chop House are still going strong today, now owned by the same independent family business, though no longer part of the Studd family. | Google Photo: Google