July 30

Georg Wilhelm von Siemens was a prominent member of the Siemens family, serving as chairman of Siemens & Halske during a period of rapid industrial growth. Under his guidance, the company extended its reach into international markets, pioneering advancements in telecommunications and electrical infrastructure. His leadership solidified Siemens’ reputation as a global engineering powerhouse in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Henry Simpson Lunn was an English Methodist minister whose concern for the well-being of working-class families led him to establish Lunn Poly, one of Britain’s first organized travel agencies, offering affordable holiday tours. Combining his humanitarian values with entrepreneurial spirit, Lunn promoted cultural exchange and rest as essential to social progress. His work laid the foundation for modern package tourism and made travel accessible to a broader public.

Henry Ford revolutionized transportation and manufacturing by founding the Ford Motor Company and introducing the moving assembly line in 1913, drastically reducing production costs. His Model T, launched in 1908, became the first affordable automobile for the average American, transforming personal mobility and the U.S. economy. Ford’s innovations in mass production set new standards for industry worldwide, and his legacy endures in modern manufacturing practices.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Henry W. Bloch co-founded H&R Block with his brother in 1955. Under his leadership, the company grew into one of the largest tax-preparation firms in the United States. He served as chairman for several decades, guiding expansion and innovation in tax services. A dedicated philanthropist, he supported numerous educational, cultural, and civic initiatives in his community. His contributions to the business world and his charitable work earned him widespread recognition and honors. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 96.

Born in 1926, George Shanard pursued careers in both business and politics. He built his business ventures before entering public service as an elected official. During his time in office, he focused on economic development and community welfare initiatives. He balanced entrepreneurial leadership with a commitment to civic engagement. Shanard's work impacted local industry and public policy over several decades. He passed away in 2012, remembered for his dedication to community progress.

Clive Sinclair began his entrepreneurial career with Sinclair Radionics, marketing the world's first slimline electronic calculators. In 1973, he founded Sinclair Research, launching pioneering microcomputers like the ZX80, ZX81, and the iconic ZX Spectrum. He revolutionized home computing in the UK, making technology accessible to hobbyists and families. Sinclair also developed early personal digital assistants and electric vehicle prototypes. Throughout his career, he held over a hundred patents and received numerous awards for innovation. His contributions laid the foundation for Britain's software industry boom in the 1980s.

Alun Cairns began his career in the private sector, founding and managing businesses before entering politics. He was elected as the Conservative MP for the Vale of Glamorgan in 2010. Cairns served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales and later as Secretary of State for Wales from 2016 to 2019. He played a key role in debates on devolution and the UK's relationship with the EU. Following his resignation from the cabinet, he remains active in public service and continues to influence Welsh political affairs.