The Business of Armaments: Armstrongs, Vickers and the International Arms Trade, 1855-1955

From 1855 to 1955, Armstrongs and Vickers, two of Britain's most prominent armaments firms, built their businesses and sold armaments in Britain and overseas. This study examines how they developed and utilized independent domestic strategies and foreign policies against the backdrop of imperial expansion and the two world wars. It reveals the challenges the firms faced in making domestic and international sales and how they built enduring relationships with states in Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East.

Format: Hardback
Length: 314 pages
Publication date: 19 January 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

From 1855 to 1955, two of Britain's most prominent armaments firms, Armstrongs and Vickers, experienced significant growth and success in their businesses. These firms played a crucial role in supplying armaments to the British Government and exporting them to foreign countries. In this essay, we will explore the strategies and tactics employed by Armstrongs and Vickers to build their businesses and sell armaments in Britain and overseas.

Armstrongs and Vickers were both founded in the late 19th century and quickly established themselves as leading manufacturers of armaments. They were known for their high-quality products and innovative designs. The firms had a strong focus on research and development, investing heavily in new technologies and equipment to improve their production processes.

One of the key strategies employed by Armstrongs and Vickers was to build strong relationships with the British Government. The firms were awarded government contracts for the production of various armaments, including guns, tanks, and aircraft. These contracts provided a stable source of revenue and allowed the firms to expand their operations.

In addition to their government contracts, Armstrongs and Vickers also pursued international sales. They established subsidiaries in foreign countries and worked closely with local partners to market their products. The firms were able to penetrate new markets and expand their customer base by offering a wide range of products and services.

Another strategy employed by Armstrongs and Vickers was to focus on quality and innovation. The firms were committed to producing high-quality armaments that were reliable and durable. They invested heavily in research and development to improve their products and ensure that they met the changing needs of their customers.

Armstrongs and Vickers also faced several challenges in their business operations. One of the biggest challenges was the British Government's commitment to laissez-faire policies, which limited the government's involvement in the economy. This policy created a competitive environment for private firms, making it difficult for them to secure government contracts.

In addition, there were prejudices within the British elite against those in trade. Some members of the British aristocracy viewed trade as a low-class occupation and were reluctant to support it. This prejudice created barriers to entry for new firms and made it difficult for Armstrongs and Vickers to expand their operations.

Departmental resistance to dealing with private firms was also a challenge for Armstrongs and Vickers. The British government had a tradition of dealing with public sector companies, which were seen as more reliable and accountable. This resistance made it difficult for private firms to secure government contracts and to compete with public sector companies.

To overcome these obstacles, Armstrongs and Vickers developed a suite of strategies and tactics. One of the most important strategies was to build strong relationships with the British Government. The firms worked closely with government officials to understand their needs and to develop products that met their requirements. They also offered to provide training and support to the British military, which helped to build their reputation and credibility.

In addition, Armstrongs and Vickers focused on quality and innovation. They invested heavily in research and development to improve their products and ensure that they were competitive in the market. They also sought to differentiate themselves from their competitors by offering unique products and services.

Another strategy employed by Armstrongs and Vickers was to pursue international sales. They established subsidiaries in foreign countries and worked closely with local partners to market their products. They also developed a network of distributors and agents, which helped to expand their customer base and increase their sales.

Despite these challenges, Armstrongs and Vickers were able to build their businesses and sell armaments in Britain and overseas from 1855 to 1955. They were able to overcome the barriers posed by the British Government's commitment to laissez-faire policies, prejudices within the British elite, and departmental resistance to dealing with private firms.

In conclusion, Armstrongs and Vickers were two of Britain's most prominent armaments firms, and they played a crucial role in supplying armaments to the British Government and exporting them to foreign countries. The firms were able to build their businesses and sell armaments by developing strong relationships with the British Government, focusing on quality and innovation, and pursuing international sales. Their success in the business world is a testament to their dedication and hard work.

Weight: 762g
ISBN-13: 9781009297523