Editing Next plc (section)

===Hepworth===
The company was founded by [[Joseph Hepworth (tailor)|Joseph Hepworth]] in [[Leeds]] in 1864 as a tailor under the name of '''Joseph Hepworth & Son'''.<ref name="history">{{cite web|url=http://www.nextplc.co.uk/nextplc/aboutnext/ourhistory/ |title=Next history |publisher=Nextplc.co.uk |access-date=12 October 2010}}</ref> Initially Hepworth was in partnership with James Rhodes, but the partnership was dissolved in 1872.<ref>The London Gazette, 9 July 1872, p.3121</ref>

On his own, Hepworth expanded the company rapidly, becoming a pioneer of the development of chain stores in Britain. By 1884 the company had 100 outlets.<ref>John Timpson, ''High Street Heroes: The Story of British Retail in 50 People'' (London: Icon Books, 2015)</ref>

For much of its history Hepworth was predominantly in the ready-to-wear suit market.<ref>{{cite book |first=Laura |last=Ugolini |title=Men and Menswear: Sartorial Consumption in Britain 1880-1939 |location=Aldershot |publisher=Ashgate |date=2007 |page=193 |isbn=978-0754603849}}</ref> In 1963, the company brought in the celebrated Savile Row designer [[Hardy Amies]] to help revitalise its ready-to-wear suit collection.<ref>Alison Adbergham, "View of Fashion", ''[[The Guardian]]'', 8 October 1963, p. 8</ref>