Our Journey
Shiraz, Iran
Shirazi Trading House
In 1773, when the late Mr. Hadji Agha Momen Shirazi founded Shirazi Trading House, little did the country realize that a phenomenon had been set in motion. We’ve traversed many a milestone in the metamorphosis of this family owned business into the professionally managed diverse group of companies that we are today.
Kolkata, India
East India Cotton Company
East India Cotton Company was the first cotton mill to be established in Kolkata, India, on 1854 by Hadji Mirza Mahmoud Shirazi. The company was designed by Sir William Fairbaim. This mill began production on 1856 under the supervision of British engineers and skilled cotton operatives.
The main task of this company was to supply ginned cotton for export to the Middle East and later to England. This company, in cooperation with other Indian factories, played an important role in the development of the cotton industry and its trade in India, and in 1872, it moved its office to Bombay and focused on the cotton trade.
London, UK
The Imperial Bank of Persia
The Imperial Bank of Persia was a British bank that operated as the central bank and bank of issue in Iran between 1889 and 1929. It was established in 1885 with a concession from the Persian government to Baron Julius De Reuter and Hadji Ali Akbar Tajer Shirazi. The bank was the first modern bank in Iran and introduced European banking ideas to a country in which they were previously unknown. The legal centre of the bank was in London and whilst it was subject to British law, its activities were based in Tehran. It also had operations in other Middle Eastern countries. It was later named British Bank of the Middle East (BBME) and is now called HSBC Bank Middle East Limited.
Manchester, UK
Hadji Ali Akbar & Sons Ltd.
Hadji Ali Akbar Tajer Shirazi was born in Shiraz, Iran. Due to global business opportunities, He decided to migrate to Manchester city, where he established a limited company "Hadji Ali Akbar & Sons Ltd.". In the glory days of the UK, he was famous for his honesty and professionalism. Since then, he started his business in foreign countries; India, China, Iran, Russia and England, and established his branches in Shiraz, Bahrain, Mumbai, Basra, Kolkata, Paris, Zanzibar, and London. He also took a significant role in the foundation of “The Imperial Bank of Persia” in collaboration with other great merchants of his era. He chose “Shirazi” as his telegraph Name for his communication network. The first ever phone line in Manchester was installed in his office building in 507. He founded many mansions in Manchester, Shiraz, Bahrain, Basra, and Kolkata. Mansions founded in Shiraz and the Trading House buildings in Manchester are still standing.
Omoumi Iran Company
Islamieh Fabric Company
Persia Steamship Company
Siri Mining Company
Watan Spinning Company
Tea Company
Manchester, UK
Shirazi Limited Corporation
Finally, in 1973, the Shirazi family decided to register a holding company called Shirazi Limited Corporation in Manchester, England, in order to manage their companies and assets. All assets and shares are transferred from individuals to the company and new policies are determined for investment and development of the family business.
A remarkable business success story, Shirazi limited started from one man’s vision to transform the face of financial, banking and trading to create ‘Building Great Businesses’. It has since grown into one of the United Kingdom most respected and successful businesses spanning 10 international markets, employing more than 35,000 people, and obtaining the highest credit rating (BBB) among privately-held corporates in the region.
