Whilst new businesses are popping up all the time, there are still some that remain in west London, over 100 years since their inception.
Exclusive getwestlondon analysis of the Companies House register found at least 429 active companies in west London that were founded in 1917 or earlier.
And we are guessing we don't need to give you two chances to hazard a guess at the first one on our list .
Harrods
Founded in 1834 in the east end of London, Harrods Limited moved to the west, in Knightsbridge , to open the world famous department store in 1849.
For 183 years, Harrods has been the mecca for shoppers looking for luxury treatment and it has certainly cemented itself as one of the most picturesque buildings in west London.
The Ritz
Another highly valued organisation in west London, with the famous afternoon tea's attracting people from far and wide.
The 5 star hotel opened in 1906, making it 111 years old and the building is Grade II listed.
Certainly another beauty that we west Londoner's can take pride in.
The Connaught Hotel
Significantly older than the Ritz, this 5 star hotel originally opened in Mayfair in 1815, as the Prince of Saxe Coburg Hotel.
In 1897 it was reopened after being closed in 1892 for rebuilding works.
It wasn't renamed until 1917, when during the Second World War, a decision was made to change the name to The Connaught.
120 years later, the name still stands and the hotel remains one of the most prestigious in the capital.
Harvey Nichols Group
This British department store chain was founded in 1831, making it an impressive 186 years old!
Knightsbridge is home to the Harvey Nichols flagship store selling everything from fashion to beauty products and food and wine.
Stores are now located across the world in Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, as well as across the UK.
British India Steam Navigation Company Limited
Incorporated in 1856, the British India Steam Navigation Company Limited was based at 16 Palace Street in Westminster , trading in "sea and coastal freight water transport" according to the register.
Later on that year B.L. Holdings Limited was formed with offices in Marylebone , according to the register, it trades in the "development of building projects."
The Pimm’s Drinks Company Limited was registered as a company in 1903, making it 114 years old, it's no wonder they have the British Summer drink down to a tee!
Also on the list is the Football Association whose home is currently Wembley Stadium , the organisation was founded in 1863.
The British Chamber of Commerce, located in Westminster, was formed in 1860 and Rio Tinto Western Holdings Limited, a British-Australian company which has offices in St James's Square, was founded in 1873.
So that's the best of the big companies, but following our analysis, here is what the breakdown looks like across the west London boroughs.
Borough | Number of companies over 100 years old |
Brent | 11 |
Ealing | 5 |
Hammersmith and Fulham | 19 |
Harrow | 10 |
Hillingdon | 28 |
Hounslow | 20 |
Kensington and Chelsea | 31 |
Westminster | 305 |
We would love to see any old pictures or videos you may have of businesses in west London.
Just send them to lois.swinnerton@trinitymirror.com or Tweet us, @GetWestLondon , or you can find us on Facebook .
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