Britains Earliest Trading Companies

Alan Fitzgerald SpeakerNet Sponsor


Regions:
Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey
Notice Period:
Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
Type:
Hobby
Fee:
Paid: £75 + travel expenses
Category:
History
Updated:
29th October 2025

Some of Britain’s Trading Companies were established far earlier than most people realise. Several are over 500-years old and began trading around the world as representatives of the Government. Several of them, like the Muscovy Company, the East India Company and the Hudson Bay Company, laid the foundations for the early British Colonies that went on to become the British Empire. This presentation examines their histories and what has become of them now

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About Alan Fitzgerald

Born in London I began my Engineering career as an Apprentice Draughtsman there. Following graduation with a BSc (Hons) degree I subsequently worked for UK & European Engineering companies, and American-based IT organisations, in a variety of senior Management and Technology roles. I finished full-time working at Aston University, Birmingham, supervising Post-Graduate MSc programmes. During my career I regularly presented at International Conferences in the US and Europe which I really enjoyed. Since finally retiring I have spent time pursuing my enthusiasms and interests, so several of my Talks reflect those passions and are based around the city of "London" which is the basis for some of my presentations. I update them regularly and try to introduce a couple of new ones every year. I've been a regular presenter to u3a, NT and Probus groups in the Thames Valley for a number of years, and I currently give talks about twice a month.

"Alan gave a detailed, well-presented and illustrated talk, which was very well received and prompted several questions, which were ably answered" Beaconsfield Probus Club


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