He was the son of Joseph Rushbrooke, baker, confectioner and grocer of Willenhall, Staffs, a staunch Methodist and local preacher. Educated at Queen's College, Taunton, he saw the opportunity offered by the rapidly growing cycle industry and in 1892 started his own business in wholesale ironmongery in Birmingham. His rigid principles, honesty and determination made Rushbrooke and Co., a commercial success and in 1907 the business became a limited company as the Halford Cycle Co., named after the Halford Street in Leicester where the family bakery and grocery business was located. Frederick was joint managing director of Halfords, continuing as Chairman when he retired in 1947. He served as treasurer of the Hospital for Wounded Soldiers at Sutton Coldfield 1915-1918, and from 1931 as senior treasurer of the Princess Alice Orphanage, Sutton Coldfield.

Entry written by: EDG
Category: Person
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