He built his company into a leader in all aspects of the industry including the operation of Flour Mills, Bakeries and Retail outlets.

After Rank's death in 1943 the company continued to grow under his son's stewardship before merging with Hovis MacDougall in the 1960s to form Rank Hovis McDougall (RHM).

Born in Hull and educated at the Reverend Haynes's School in Swinefleet near Goole, Joseph Rank initially joined the family milling business.

[1] He established various charities which have now been consolidated into the Joseph Rank Trust[2] and also supported the Hull Royal Infirmary.

[1] Sadly, he saw the Clarence Mills that he had built in Hull bombed to destruction during World War II.