William Sykes (businessman)

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William Sykes was just 23 when, against the advice of his father he married and then with his own and his new wife's savings purchased a saddler business in Horbury, England around 1870.He married Ethel Marshall (sister of Herbert Marshall and Alice Whitmarsh -nee Marshall. Herbert worked at Rowntrees Factory as the Timekeeper)Their father was John Marshall also known as ' Happy Jack' the Councillor for Elland Division in 1899). ^[1]

The business prospered and a few years later added footballs to the other leather goods he was making. Later he further expanded his business by dealing in cricket bats, at first buying from other firms but always with an eye on the future with the intent to manufacture for himself.

Once these businesses were established he started the manufacture of cricket bats and employed some of the best craftsmen around. Soon with an ever flourishing business and with expansion firmly part of his plans he started manufacturing tennis racquets.

Always the perfectionist, William Sykes, ensured that only the best workmen and craftsmen were employed in his workshops; perhaps it was this quality that allowed the company to build a world wide trade.

William Sykes was joined in later years by his sons, H.O. Sykes and W.O. Sykes.

Ultimately their beginnings in the leather trade were what they would be best remembered for, and the name Sykes would be connected with football for many years. Their famous Zig-Zag branded football was used in many leading events including the FA Cup finals of 1936, 1937, 1939 and 1946.

Early in the 20th century, Sykes merged with other sporting manufacturers to become a part of the Slazengers Sykes Gradidge and Ayres organisation.