Delivering a competitive edge (From Oxford Mail)

Delivering a competitive edge

12:00pm Monday 13th February 2012 in Memory Lane By John Chipperfield

This is one of the earliest commercial delivery vehicles in Banbury.

In the 1920s and 1930s, despite harsh economic conditions, the number of shopkeepers in the town rose rapidly, increasing competition.

One key element of success was to have an efficient delivery service, to convey goods to customers, particularly in outlying districts.

W Taylor, baker and confectioner, as you can see in the picture, heeded such advice and invested in a smart, inscribed van.

It is one of a large number of illustrations in a new book, From Banbury Cakes to a Bushel of Sweetmeats, compiled by Barry Davis and Brian Little and published by Robert Boyd Publications, of Witney.

The book mentions numerous Banbury businesses from Victorian times, and shows how they used trade marks and other means to enhance their reputation in the town.