By the mid 19th century Lilley had opened factories in Wellingborough, Irthlingborough, Higham Ferrers and Rushden in Northamptonshire.

To own it they incorporated Lilley & Skinner Limited in 1894[3] and sold listed preference shares in 1896.

[5] Lilley & Skinner opened what was believed to be the world's largest shoe shop in Oxford Street in 1921.

[3] Control of the business was opened up just before he died by the grandson of the founder, chairman Thomas Lilley (1872-1951) with a public listing of ordinary shares to establish a value for the 80 per cent[6] estate duty.

Saxone specialised in men's and children's shoes compared to the fashion products of Lilley & Skinner.