Isaac Reckitt

Isaac Reckitt

Isaac Reckitt (1792–1862) was a British businessman and philanthropist, best known as the founder of Reckitt & Sons, a leading British manufacturer of household products.

Early life

Isaac Reckitt was born in 1792 in Lincolnshire, England. He was the son of a farmer and was educated in the local schools. He showed an early interest in business and began his career as an apprentice in a grocery store.

Career

In 1840, Reckitt purchased a starch-making business in Hull, England. He renamed the business Reckitt & Sons and expanded its product line to include other household items such as blue dye and polish. Under Reckitt's leadership, the company grew rapidly and became one of the leading manufacturers of household products in Britain.

Reckitt was known for his innovative business practices. He was one of the first British businessmen to introduce profit-sharing for his employees, and he also established a company pension scheme. He believed that a happy and well-treated workforce was key to a successful business.

Philanthropy

Reckitt was also a noted philanthropist. He donated large sums of money to various charitable causes, including the construction of schools and hospitals in Hull. He also established the Reckitt Charitable Trust, which continues to support charitable causes in the UK and around the world.

Legacy

Isaac Reckitt died in 1862, but his legacy lives on in the company he founded. Today, Reckitt & Sons is part of Reckitt Benckiser, a multinational consumer goods company. The company continues to uphold many of Reckitt's values, including his commitment to employee welfare and corporate responsibility.

See also

• Reckitt & Sons
• Reckitt Benckiser
• Philanthropy in the United Kingdom