He started his printing career in Liverpool, opening a stationers shop, Liverpool Printing and Stationery Co. Ltd, in 1841,[1] then founding McCorquodale & Co Ltd in Newton-le-Willows in 1846, taking over and converting the former South Lancashire Conservative Association Hall.
[1] This specialised in printing registered envelopes[3] later diversified into books and commercial stationery.
[1] During the invasion scare of 1859–60, many of McCorquodale's workers joined the 73rd (Newton-le-Willows) Lancashire Rifle Volunteer Corps.
On 10 January 1861 McCorquodale raised the 'Liverpool Press Guard' from employees of the newspaper and printing trades in the city, and on 21 February, 1861, the officers and men of the new unit took the oath of allegiance at St George's Hall, Liverpool.
It was designated the 80th (Liverpool Press Guard) Lancashire Rifle Volunteer Corps and soon consisted of six companies, commanded by McCorquodale with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.