Est. 1850 — Six Generations
Most brands have a story. We have a bloodline.
Benjamin Banks launches a building materials business with 40 horses, trading as Oil & Colour Merchants. A cart met every train to deliver pigments, oils and driers to merchants across the south of England.
Benjamin Banks
Of two branches outside London, only Hersham survives. Charlie runs it through the shift to pre-mixed paints. Cecil returns from the First World War and takes the reins.
Charlie & Cecil BanksCecil's son enlists at 19 and doesn't return until 1946. Post-war demand drives the business forward. In the 1960s, Hilton Rider is acquired and merged into Hersham.
Third Generation Banks
DIY superstores reshape the market. Paint manufacturing closes and the business pivots to importing — dust sheets, tarpaulins, adhesive tapes — while keeping wholesale alive. Andy Butler joins in 1990. He's now Sales Director.
Fourth Generation BanksStop wholesaling someone else's brand. Make your own. HB42 launches with sealants and adhesives — the first products to carry our name, backed by 160 years of trade knowledge.
Fifth Generation Banks
Scarlet and Charlie become Co Managing Directors. Flag Paints is acquired. The reseller arm is sold. After 175 years, Hilton Banks is now a pure manufacturer of trade products.
Scarlet & Charlie Banks
