Our Benefactor Lord Leverhulme

The depth of help that the CTBI gives today is due to the trust bequeathed in Lord Leverhulme’s will in 1925. His generosity and goodwill towards his workers and people across the world should always be remembered. Port Sunlight, the village he designed and built for his workers near Birkenhead, set new standards for the humble working man.

The important points leading to the Trust are as follows:

Born William Lever 19 September 1851 Lord Leverhulme grew up at 16 Wood Street, Bolton. After leaving school he entered the family business where he cut and wrapped soap which was purchased in bulk from manufacturers. Due to rapid growth in sales the family factory at Port Sunlight was built to commence their own production.

Importantly for the CTBI, William became a salesman collecting orders and delivering them on his next journey. His sales career boomed and he extended his "patch" outside Bolton eventually selling throughout the world.

Obviously during his sales career William grew an affinity with salespeople. When he sadly died of pneumonia in 1925 he left a will specifically naming our charity for which we are truly grateful. This legacy has helped hundreds of salespeople throughout the UK who have hit hard times.

The CTBI have records of donations dating from 1850 not only by numerous major branded companies but also private donations from individuals. The Lever family regularly feature on these pages.

The "Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust" was founded and provides an annual grant to the CTBI.

Our sincere thanks to Lord Leverhulme.