Who We Are

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The history of Everything X-ray reads like the history of x-ray itself. It all started in 1909…

At the age of 28, Cuthbert Andrews, printer, salesman, milk analyst and microscopist was working with his colleague Geoffrey Pearce of Watsons, the Holborn instrument makers, providing a mobile x-ray service to London hospitals

Loading a ‘portable’ x-ray unit complete with lead acid batteries and gas tube into a hansom cab, they would proceed at a gallop to the customers premises, set up, supervise the whole process and return to base acid stained and radiation exposed, to await the next call.

In 1909 Mullers of Hamburg, one of the original manufacturers of x-ray tubes, decided that the time had come to open up the UK market. With this in mind, they approached Watsons who in turn pointed them at Cuthbert as being a suitable candidate to organise a factory and act as general manager.

Cuthbert, full of youthful enthusiasm, and sure that his x-ray experience was more than sufficient to qualify him for the endeavour, accepted the challenge. With £100 capital supplied by Mullers, electrodes, soda glass and glass blowers imported from Hamburg, production began in June 1910. Cuthbert Andrews, General Manager, earning £3.00 a week and a small commission, was on his way.

Over the following 95 years, the many changes can be chronicled as follows:

1914 World War 1 and the confiscation of Muller (London) by the Custodian of Enemy Property results in a frantic search for funds, culminating in Cuthberts purchase of the company for £225.00

1915 The first of many Andrews x-ray tube catalogues published

1920 Cuthbert elected to the Council of the British Institute of Radiology

1924 He is invited to take tea with a leading group of Radiologists and Physicists. From this springs the British X-ray and Radium Protection Committee, the first such body in the world, which is to serve with increasing authority until 1953. Most of the standards regarding operating safety today are based on its early work and many have continued without alteration

1929 Richard Andrews joins the firm in charge of gas tube repairs

1934 The first Everything X-ray catalogue issued. The name is chosen to reflect the increasing space devoted to accessories and sundries

1937 Cuthbert elected honorary member of the Society of Radiographers

1938 World War 2. The firm is provided with a 24 hour guard as the only practical manufacturer of x-ray tubes in the British Empire. Portex x-ray units, carried by all ships, from destroyers upwards, in the British Navy

1944 With the advent of the National Health Service, and the rotating anode tube, a decision is made to stop tube production, and concentrate attention on x-ray and darkroom accessories. Richard is taken into full time partnership, having served as General Manager for many years

1953 The British Institute of Radiology elects Cuthbert to their Presidency. The only president so far to have no qualifications after his name

1956 Cuthbert is made honorary member of the Society of Radiographers, and delivers the first Welbeck Memorial Lecture. The British Institute of Radiology confer on him honorary membership

1972 At the age of 90. Cuthbert dies, until recently active in the business, and still deeply involved in x-ray matters, leaving his son Richard as sole proprieter

1975 In view of the danger of draconian death duties levied on one owner companies, Everything X-ray Ltd is floated with family and staff as shareholders.

1985 With 56 years service under his belt, Richard feels that now is the time to ease off, and happily accepts a ‘management buyout’ bid, which leaves Gina Imerini as the major shareholder. She invites Nic Thorogood (Richards nephew) to join her. Richard retains a small balance of shares.

1990 Richard continues as chairman and still remains active despite 61 years at the helm

1997 Richard, Gina and Nic ask long term customers father and son Pat and Steve Dorrell if they would be interested in a company buyout. With the deal sealed, the company moves from its Bushey base to Seer Green in Buckinghamshire.

2002  Bursting at the seams as business expands, Everything X-ray moves lock stock and barrel to purpose designed premises in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.