Bland Group: Difference between revisions
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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2017}} |
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{{Use British English|date=January 2017}} |
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{{Infobox company |
{{Infobox company |
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| name = Bland Group |
| name = Bland Group |
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| logo = |
| logo = Bland group logo.svg |
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| type = [[Private company]] |
| type = [[Private company]] |
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| genre = |
| genre = |
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| fate = |
| fate = |
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| predecessor = |
| predecessor = |
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| successor = |
| successor = |
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| foundation = [[Irish Town, |
| foundation = [[Irish Town, Gibraltar]] ({{Start date|1810||}}) |
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| founder = [[Marcus Henry Bland]] |
| founder = [[Marcus Henry Bland]] |
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| defunct = |
| defunct = |
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| location = [[Cloister Building]], [[Market Lane]], [[Gibraltar]] |
| location = [[Cloister Building]], [[Market Lane]], [[Gibraltar]] |
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| locations = |
| locations = |
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| area_served = [[Gibraltar]], [[United Kingdom]], [[Morocco]] |
| area_served = [[Gibraltar]], [[United Kingdom]], [[Morocco]] |
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| key_people = [[James Gaggero]] ([[Chairman |
| key_people = [[James Gaggero]] ([[Chairman]]) |
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| industry = [[Tourism]]<br>[[Transport]] |
| industry = [[Manufacturing]]<br> [[Precision Engineering]]<br> [[Tourism]]<br> [[Transport]] |
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| products = |
| products = |
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| production = |
| production = |
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| services = |
| services = |
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| revenue = |
| revenue = |
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| operating_income = |
| operating_income = |
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| net_income = |
| net_income = |
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| aum = |
| aum = |
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| assets = [[Pound sterling|GBP]] 150 |
| assets = [[Pound sterling|GBP]] 150 million| equity = |
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| owner = |
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| num_employees = 860 (2012) |
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| parent = |
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| divisions = |
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| subsid = |
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| homepage = {{url|http://www.blandgroup.com}} |
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The '''Bland Group Ltd.''' is made up of a number of small operating [[company|companies]] based in the [[ |
The '''Bland Group Ltd.''' is made up of a number of small and medium-sized operating [[company|companies]] based in [[Gibraltar]], the [[United Kingdom]] and [[Morocco]]. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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During 1810, English merchant [[Marcus Henry Bland]] arrived in Gibraltar, shortly thereafter, he established what would become the Bland Group.<ref name = "bland history"/> His decision to found the company in Gibraltar was in part driven by its location, it being the first guaranteed friendly port for British shipping after leaving the British homelands. The business's initial activities was as a shipping agency, but it soon branched out into other related services.<ref name ="interview 2015">{{cite web |url=http://www.the-report.com/reports/gibraltar/myth-and-method/interview-with-john-a-gaggero-chairman-of-mh-bland/ |title=Interview with John A. Gaggero, chairman of MH Bland - Gibraltar: Myth and method report |publisher = The Report Company |date = 12 October 2015 |website=www.the-report.com}}</ref> |
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The Gaggero family has been running the business since 1891 although the company began in 1810 when [[Marcus Henry Bland]], from [[Liverpool]] began a [[shipping]] company from his house in [[Irish Town, Gibraltar|Irish Town]], Gibraltar. |
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Ownership of the company was transferred to Marcus' grandsons, Marcus Horatio Bland and John Bland; four generations of the Bland family were involved in the Bland Group's management and ownership.<ref name ="interview 2015"/> In 1861, the firm was involved in the purchase of the ''Adelia'', a 69-ton [[tug]], which has become known as the first Bland ship; it regularly carried traffic between Gibraltar and [[Tangier]], [[Morocco]] in its lifetime.<ref name = "bland history"/> The Bland Group, having identified lucrative commercial opportunities in the shipping industry, embarked on a rapid expansion in the sector through the latter half of the nineteenth century. Having initially focused on transporting freight across the Straits, the firm branched into combined cargo-and-passenger transport using a fleet of multi-purpose vessels; other activities ranged from postal runs on behalf of the [[Royal Gibraltar Post Office]] to towing and salvage operations.<ref name = "bland history">{{cite web |url = https://www.blandgroup.com/company/history |title = Our History - 1931 |publisher = Bland Group |access-date = 15 December 2019}}</ref> |
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In 1931 the Bland Group started ''Gibraltar Airways'' (later [[GB Airways]]). The group sold GB Airways to [[EasyJet]] in 2008. |
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Since 1891, the Gaggero family has been a dominant force in the management of the business.<ref name=gagg>Gaggero, Joe. (2005) ''Running with the Baton: A Gibraltar Family History''. Gibraltar: Joe Gaggero. p. 16. {{ISBN|0958301700}}.</ref> Then-owner John Bland lacked any direct heirs and thus opted to sell the Bland Group to his clerk, Joseph Gaggero.<ref name ="interview 2015"/> By 1904, Emmanuel Gaggero was in charge of the Bland Group's towing and salvage operations, opting to invest in fast vessels that could outrun competitors to respond to distress calls from third party shipping. During the early 1900s, the Bland Group continued to expand its fleet, focusing on commercial trade between North Africa, Spain, and the United Kingdom.<ref name = "bland history"/> During the [[World War I|First World War]], the company's fleet came under attack as a result of [[Germany]]'s decision to initiate unrestricted [[submarine]] warfare; two of its vessels, the ''Gibel Yedid I'' and the ''Gibel Hamam I'' were sunk, while a third, the ''Gibel Derif'', successfully evaded a submarine attack.<ref name = "bland history"/> |
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During the [[interwar period]], the Bland Group continued to expand by sea, [[coal]] becoming a staple cargo.<ref name = "bland history"/> In addition to investing in a series of new vessels to serve its historic routes between Gibraltar, Spain, Morocco, and [[Algeria]], the firm opted to establish [[Transatlantic crossing|Transatlantic]] shipping routes between Gibraltar and the [[United States]] in this era. In 1928, George Gaggero directed the introduction of a pioneering car ferry service across the Straits.<ref name = "bland history"/> During the [[World War II|Second World War]], many of the Bland Group's facilities, including its shipping agency, repair yard, and coal bunkers, operated under the direction of the British Government's [[War Office]]. Following the conflict, the firm continued its traditional services; during the 1950s, its car ferries were claimed to have been shipping in excess of 100,000 cars per year across the Straits.<ref name = "bland history"/> |
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===Tourism=== |
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[[File:Gibraltar GM 2008 (19).JPG|thumb|The [[Gibraltar Cable Car]], 2008]] |
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The Bland Group was affected by the deterioration of relations between Spain and Gibraltar, particularly the closure of the land border in June 1969.<ref name = "bland history"/> Throughout the 1970s, the firm made efforts to diversify into the wider transportation and tourism sectors. Investment in overseas ventures increased as well, at the expense of its traditional ferry services; the last car ferry to be built for the Bland Group was completed in 1954.<ref name = "bland history"/> Prior to the 1960s, the [[Rock of Gibraltar|Upper Rock]] was out of bounds to all but military personnel. To better access this area, the Bland Group secured permission from the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] to construct the [[Gibraltar Cable Car]]. Further access to the frontier was permitted in 1985; the public availability of this landmass has help shape both the Bland Group and the wider economy of Gibraltar itself more towards the tourism sector.<ref name ="interview 2015"/> |
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By 2015, a total of 160 [[cruise ship]]s were reportedly visiting Gibraltar's port each year; the Bland Group conducted the majority of the shore excursions for the passengers of these cruise liners. According to John A Gaggero, the firm handled 52,000 passengers on tours from cruise ships during 2014, while 256,000 passengers made use of the cable car.<ref name ="interview 2015"/> The company has been involved in efforts to increase the area's attractiveness, such as the development of the [[Gibraltar Nature Reserve]], as well as efforts to care for the local geography and historical sites. The Bland Group also has an interest in the hotel industry.<ref name ="interview 2015"/> |
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===Airline=== |
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[[File:GB Airways aircraft landing at Gibraltar Airport.jpg|thumb|right|GB Airways [[Airbus A320]] landing at [[Gibraltar Airport]]]] |
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{{main|GB Airways}} |
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In 1931, the Bland Group opted to start its own airline to serve the local market; this venture was initially named Gibraltar Airways.<ref name = "bland history"/> It originally operated a single [[Saro Windhover]] [[flying boat]], providing an aerial link between Gibraltar and Tangiers capable of carrying up to six passengers. Following the building of a runway at Gibraltar during the Second World War, Gibraltar Airways took advantage of this development during peacetime to introduce larger land-based aircraft.<ref name = "bland history"/> It was also involved in the ground-handling and facilities management of [[Gibraltar International Airport]] in a civil context, as well as influencing its subsequent expansion.<ref name = "bland history"/> |
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Over time, Gibraltar Airways' fleet came to numerous [[jetliner]]s which were operated upon numerous routes; its services were predominantly orientated towards the United Kingdom.<ref name = "bland history"/> In 1989, the airline moved its headquarters to Britain, being based at [[Gatwick Airport]]. Gibraltar Airways was renamed multiple times, being known as "GibAir" throughout much of its operating life and as [[GB Airways]] during its final decades of independent operation.<ref name = "bland history"/> In 1995, the airline became a [[franchisee]] of [[British Airways]]. At its peak in 2007, GB Airways operated a total of 16 [[Airbus A320]] family airliners, and was reportedly carrying three million passengers annually.<ref name = "bland history"/> During 2008, it was announced that the Bland Group had sold GB Airways to British budget airline [[EasyJet]]; its staff and aircraft were integrated into the operations of its new parent company.<ref name = "bland history"/> |
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===Hovercraft=== |
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During the twenty-first century, the Bland Group opted to secure stakes in several companies related to the development and operation of [[hovercraft]]. These include manufacturer [[Griffon Hoverwork|Griffon Hovercraft]], services and charter operator ''Hoverwork Ltd'', technical specialists ''Hovercraft Consultants Ltd'', and scheduled operator [[Hovertravel]].<ref name = "official hist">{{cite web |url = https://www.griffonhoverwork.com/about-us/history.aspx |title = Our Heritage |publisher = Griffon Hoverwork |accessdate = 1 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/8106359.hovercraft-company-buys-skirt-supplier/ |title = Hovercraft company buys skirt supplier |publisher = [[Southern Daily Echo]] |date = 19 April 2010}}</ref> Under the Bland Group's direction, several of these entities have been merged or otherwise closely cooperate for mutual benefits; other changes have included [[lean manufacturing]] investments and a focus on after-sales services to customers.<ref name = "landairsea">{{cite web |url = http://www.landseaairmagazine.com/2016/08/15/griffon-hoverwork/ |title = Profiles: Griffon Hoverwork |publisher = Land Sea & Air |date = August 2016 |issue = 135}}</ref> |
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==The board== |
==The board== |
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James Gaggero is chairman of the board of directors |
James Gaggero is chairman of the board of directors.{{Citation needed|date=February 2020}} |
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==Notable operating companies== |
==Notable operating companies== |
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[[File:The Rock Hotel.jpg|thumb|The Rock Hotel]] |
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* [[Beehive (Gatwick Airport)|Beehive]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Beehive, Gatwick Airport|Beehive]] Limited |
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* [[Griffon Hoverwork]] Limited |
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* [[Hovertravel]] Limited |
* [[Hovertravel]] Limited |
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* [[Bland (Trading as Gibair, Bland Travel and OSG)]] Limited |
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* [http://www.universalengineering.co.uk/ Universal Engineering Limited] |
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* [[The Rock Hotel]] Limited |
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==The Gaggero Foundation== |
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The Gaggero Foundation is an independent private charitable body established by the Gaggero family through the Bland group in 2008. The foundations purpose is to support and initiate programs that aid education, family welfare and community health in the geographic areas of [[Gibraltar]], [[Morocco]] and [[Andalucia]].<ref>[http://www.blandgroup.com/foundation.html Gaggero Foundation website]</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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<references/> |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Commons category|Bland Group}} |
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{{ |
{{Portal|Companies|Gibraltar}} |
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* [http://www.blandgroup.com/ The Bland Group official website] |
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{{Authority control}} |
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[[Category:Transport in Gibraltar]] |
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[[Category:Bland Group| ]] |
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[[Category:Companies established in 1810]] |
[[Category:Companies established in 1810]] |
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[[Category:1810 establishments in Gibraltar]] |
[[Category:1810 establishments in Gibraltar]] |
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{{Gibraltar-stub}} |
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{{Europe-company-stub}} |
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Latest revision as of 00:22, 22 November 2021
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| Company type | Private company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing Precision Engineering Tourism Transport |
| Founded | Irish Town, Gibraltar (1810) |
| Founder | Marcus Henry Bland |
| Headquarters | Cloister Building, Market Lane, Gibraltar |
Area served | Gibraltar, United Kingdom, Morocco |
Key people | James Gaggero (Chairman) |
| Total assets | GBP 150 million |
Number of employees | 860 (2012) |
| Website | www |
The Bland Group Ltd. is made up of a number of small and medium-sized operating companies based in Gibraltar, the United Kingdom and Morocco.
History[edit]
During 1810, English merchant Marcus Henry Bland arrived in Gibraltar, shortly thereafter, he established what would become the Bland Group.[1] His decision to found the company in Gibraltar was in part driven by its location, it being the first guaranteed friendly port for British shipping after leaving the British homelands. The business's initial activities was as a shipping agency, but it soon branched out into other related services.[2]
Ownership of the company was transferred to Marcus' grandsons, Marcus Horatio Bland and John Bland; four generations of the Bland family were involved in the Bland Group's management and ownership.[2] In 1861, the firm was involved in the purchase of the Adelia, a 69-ton tug, which has become known as the first Bland ship; it regularly carried traffic between Gibraltar and Tangier, Morocco in its lifetime.[1] The Bland Group, having identified lucrative commercial opportunities in the shipping industry, embarked on a rapid expansion in the sector through the latter half of the nineteenth century. Having initially focused on transporting freight across the Straits, the firm branched into combined cargo-and-passenger transport using a fleet of multi-purpose vessels; other activities ranged from postal runs on behalf of the Royal Gibraltar Post Office to towing and salvage operations.[1]
Since 1891, the Gaggero family has been a dominant force in the management of the business.[3] Then-owner John Bland lacked any direct heirs and thus opted to sell the Bland Group to his clerk, Joseph Gaggero.[2] By 1904, Emmanuel Gaggero was in charge of the Bland Group's towing and salvage operations, opting to invest in fast vessels that could outrun competitors to respond to distress calls from third party shipping. During the early 1900s, the Bland Group continued to expand its fleet, focusing on commercial trade between North Africa, Spain, and the United Kingdom.[1] During the First World War, the company's fleet came under attack as a result of Germany's decision to initiate unrestricted submarine warfare; two of its vessels, the Gibel Yedid I and the Gibel Hamam I were sunk, while a third, the Gibel Derif, successfully evaded a submarine attack.[1]
During the interwar period, the Bland Group continued to expand by sea, coal becoming a staple cargo.[1] In addition to investing in a series of new vessels to serve its historic routes between Gibraltar, Spain, Morocco, and Algeria, the firm opted to establish Transatlantic shipping routes between Gibraltar and the United States in this era. In 1928, George Gaggero directed the introduction of a pioneering car ferry service across the Straits.[1] During the Second World War, many of the Bland Group's facilities, including its shipping agency, repair yard, and coal bunkers, operated under the direction of the British Government's War Office. Following the conflict, the firm continued its traditional services; during the 1950s, its car ferries were claimed to have been shipping in excess of 100,000 cars per year across the Straits.[1]
Tourism[edit]
.JPG)
The Bland Group was affected by the deterioration of relations between Spain and Gibraltar, particularly the closure of the land border in June 1969.[1] Throughout the 1970s, the firm made efforts to diversify into the wider transportation and tourism sectors. Investment in overseas ventures increased as well, at the expense of its traditional ferry services; the last car ferry to be built for the Bland Group was completed in 1954.[1] Prior to the 1960s, the Upper Rock was out of bounds to all but military personnel. To better access this area, the Bland Group secured permission from the Ministry of Defence to construct the Gibraltar Cable Car. Further access to the frontier was permitted in 1985; the public availability of this landmass has help shape both the Bland Group and the wider economy of Gibraltar itself more towards the tourism sector.[2]
By 2015, a total of 160 cruise ships were reportedly visiting Gibraltar's port each year; the Bland Group conducted the majority of the shore excursions for the passengers of these cruise liners. According to John A Gaggero, the firm handled 52,000 passengers on tours from cruise ships during 2014, while 256,000 passengers made use of the cable car.[2] The company has been involved in efforts to increase the area's attractiveness, such as the development of the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, as well as efforts to care for the local geography and historical sites. The Bland Group also has an interest in the hotel industry.[2]
Airline[edit]
In 1931, the Bland Group opted to start its own airline to serve the local market; this venture was initially named Gibraltar Airways.[1] It originally operated a single Saro Windhover flying boat, providing an aerial link between Gibraltar and Tangiers capable of carrying up to six passengers. Following the building of a runway at Gibraltar during the Second World War, Gibraltar Airways took advantage of this development during peacetime to introduce larger land-based aircraft.[1] It was also involved in the ground-handling and facilities management of Gibraltar International Airport in a civil context, as well as influencing its subsequent expansion.[1]
Over time, Gibraltar Airways' fleet came to numerous jetliners which were operated upon numerous routes; its services were predominantly orientated towards the United Kingdom.[1] In 1989, the airline moved its headquarters to Britain, being based at Gatwick Airport. Gibraltar Airways was renamed multiple times, being known as "GibAir" throughout much of its operating life and as GB Airways during its final decades of independent operation.[1] In 1995, the airline became a franchisee of British Airways. At its peak in 2007, GB Airways operated a total of 16 Airbus A320 family airliners, and was reportedly carrying three million passengers annually.[1] During 2008, it was announced that the Bland Group had sold GB Airways to British budget airline EasyJet; its staff and aircraft were integrated into the operations of its new parent company.[1]
Hovercraft[edit]
During the twenty-first century, the Bland Group opted to secure stakes in several companies related to the development and operation of hovercraft. These include manufacturer Griffon Hovercraft, services and charter operator Hoverwork Ltd, technical specialists Hovercraft Consultants Ltd, and scheduled operator Hovertravel.[4][5] Under the Bland Group's direction, several of these entities have been merged or otherwise closely cooperate for mutual benefits; other changes have included lean manufacturing investments and a focus on after-sales services to customers.[6]
The board[edit]
James Gaggero is chairman of the board of directors.[citation needed]
Notable operating companies[edit]
- Beehive Limited
- Griffon Hoverwork Limited
- Hovertravel Limited
- Bland (Trading as Gibair, Bland Travel and OSG) Limited
- The Rock Hotel Limited
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q "Our History - 1931". Bland Group. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f "Interview with John A. Gaggero, chairman of MH Bland - Gibraltar: Myth and method report". www.the-report.com. The Report Company. 12 October 2015.
- ^ Gaggero, Joe. (2005) Running with the Baton: A Gibraltar Family History. Gibraltar: Joe Gaggero. p. 16. ISBN 0958301700.
- ^ "Our Heritage". Griffon Hoverwork. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
- ^ "Hovercraft company buys skirt supplier". Southern Daily Echo. 19 April 2010.
- ^ "Profiles: Griffon Hoverwork". Land Sea & Air. August 2016.
External links[edit]
| International | |
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| National | |
