Harmood Banner

Harmood Banner (1783-1865) was, by trade, an accountant. His reputation was made while chairman of the Liverpool and Harrington Water company, and subsequently as chairman of the Liverpool Gas and Coke Company. He was a city Councillor for the St Peter's Ward during the 1850s, and was described as "Grave and sedate in appearance, and sits wrapped in thought as if he were somewhat careworn."

His first venture into the profession of accountancy was in 1814 when he joined in partnership with Thomas Billinge, his brother-in-law.

In 1816, he was appointed liquidator to a bank, that of James Aspinall of Liverpool. His reputation grew, as did his business and soon the company, Harmood Banner & Company, was one of the most respected accountancy firms in the country. The origins of one of today's largest accountancy firms, Coopers & Lybrand, can be traced back to Harmood Banner & Co.

Banner also had an enormous interest in the well-being of children, especially those who found their way into the various orphanages around Liverpool. He founded and played an active role in the Liverpool Boys & Girls Orphanage in Myrtle Street, Liverpool. In "Pen and Ink Studies of Liverpool Councillors", Shimmin noted: "Day by day, Mr. Banner may be found visiting the fatherless in their affliction, and giving to hundreds of destitute orphans that paternal council which he well knows how to bestow."