A. L. Simpkin & Co. Ltd

After being demobilised from the army in 1920 as a result of the effect of severe wounds, he became a retailer and wholesaler of sweets before purchasing his own confectionery manufacturing company on Sedan Street in the Pitsmoor area of Sheffield.

[2] Simpkin produced high quality glucose sweets from natural ingredients and aimed his product at a niche market, selling through dispensing chemists, thus avoiding competition with the major manufacturers.

In February 2009, Simpkins won the best new British product at the Cologne confectionery show for its Dr. Stuart range of herbal sweets.

In addition to selling in pharmacies, the sweets are now available in Boots UK, W H Smith, Harrods, Fortnum & Mason and Tesco.

Today the firm is controlled by John's children Adrian and Karen Simpkin, who are joint managing directors.