Leslie Cussons

Infobox Person
name = Leslie Cussons
birth_date = 13 January 1907
birth_place = Salford, England, UK
death_date = 6 September 1963 (aged 56)
death_place = Manchester, England, UK
education = Chilton College, Switzerland
occupation = Businessman
parents = Alex T. Cussons (1875-1951)
Emily Cussons (1875-1957)

Leslie Cussons (13 January 1907 – 6 September 1963). Born in Swinton, Salford, England to Alexander Tom Cussons (1875–1951) and his wife Emily Jane Cussons (née Kidd, 1875–1957). Leslie was the Chairman of Cussons Sons & Co, the largest independent soap manufacturer in Britain. Leslie continued manufacturing of the famous brand Cussons Imperial Leather.

Career

Leslie worked at the Cussons Company from 1924 until his death in 1963. In 1951 Leslie succeeded his father to become chairman of the Cussons Company. Leslie oversaw the acquisition of Gerard Bros. in 1955, and subsequently made extensive improvements to the Gerard Bros Nottingham factory. [Linday, D.T.A. (1976). "Soapmaking past and present"] In 1957 Leslie also acquired the 1001 Carpet Cleaner brand, and made it into Britain's leading carpet cleaner.

In 1963 Leslie showed Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh around his factory in Kersal, Salford. Prince Philip was introduced to selected factory staff before unveiling a plaque in the entrance hall. ["Salford Reporter", June 14 1963 "Royal Borough prepares for a Royal Visit" at pages 1-2]

Interests

Leslie was keenly interested in agriculture, and owned large farms in Derbyshire and the Isle of Man. ["Salford Reporter", September 13 1963 "Mr. L. Cussons dies after a short illness"]

Leslie was also a tennis enthusiast, and was president of the Lancashire County Tennis Association. ["The Times", September 7 1963 "Obituary Mr Leslie Cussons" at page 10] ["Swinton & Pendlebury Journal", September 11 1963 "Soap Firm Director Dies Suddenly at 56" at page 7]

References