George Kynoch (businessman)

George Kynoch was born at Peterhead in Aberdeenshire and educated at the local school. He first worked as an insurance clerk in Glasgow and then as a bank clerk in Worcester.[1]

After working for a while at larger bank branch in Birmingham, in 1856 he decided to join Pursall & Phillips, percussion cap manufacturers, in Birmingham.[1] An explosion in 1859 destroyed the works, killing 19 of the 70 employees.[1][2] As a result the firm moved to on four acres of land at Witton in 1862.[3][1]

In 1863, Kynoch took over the business, which was subsequently renamed G. Kynoch and Co.[2][1] The Lion Works, as it became known, quickly secured contracts to supply ammunition to the British and Turkish Governments.[1] In 1884 his interests were bought out and he was simply employed as Managing Director.[4]

In 1886, he became Member of Parliament for Aston Manor and in 1887 he was appointed President of Aston Villa Football Club.[1] These roles distracted him from his business and in 1888 he was forced to resign.[1]

In 1863, he married Helen Birley. They later separated.[1]

He emigrated to South Africa and died in Johannesburg in 1891, aged 56.[1]

• Hansard 1803–2005: contributions in Parliament by George Kynoch