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The history of Disley

1951 – The company is founded

Norman and Mavis Williams established N.M. Williams in central Belfast in 1951. At the time, Belfast still had a strong reputation as a global textile and garment manufacturing centre, built on its linen industry (“Linenopolis”) and skilled workforce. Their aim was to manufacture well-made clothing and textile products for business and professional customers.

1950s–1960s – Diversification

The business did not begin solely as a shirt manufacturer. During its early years it produced a wide variety of textile products.

1970s – 1990s The Disley brand emerges

By the 1970s, the Barry Disley label had become well known on the high street and was sold through a wide range of Menswear shops and retail outlets throughout the UK along with working closely with large menswear brands producing bespoke styles with clients’ own labels were produced. The brand name Barry Disley during this time was popular choice for the discerning gentleman. You will still see “vintage” Barry Disley shirts available on various internet sites! In the very early 90’s a shift towards Uniforms / Corporate wear became the main focus, including business shirts, ladies’ blouses, airline uniforms, hospitality clothing and professional office wear. The reputation for durable fabrics and consistent sizing helped establish Disley as a recognised trade supplier rather than a retail fashion brand.

2000s – Brand consolidation

Shortened from the original Barry Disley, Disley became the company’s strongest identity, the older product brands were gradually discontinued although the name Williams still forms part of our stock supported ranges that includes the Heritage and Editions ranges. Although the registered company remained N.M. Williams (UK) Ltd., the business increasingly traded simply as Disley, a name now recognised throughout the UK work wear and corporate wear industry.

Moving to Mallusk

As Belfast’s traditional city-centre manufacturing declined, the company relocated its headquarters and warehousing to Mallusk, just north of Belfast this was around 2004. The Mallusk site now houses the majority of functions of the business including administration, warehousing, customer services, product development and in-house garment customisation, while maintaining Belfast as the company’s home.

Expansion into bespoke corporate wear

Also in the 2000s, Disley expanded beyond stock shirts to offer complete corporate uniform programmes, supplying sectors including airlines, financial services, hospitality, healthcare, education, transport, security and local authorities.

Sustainability

More recently the company has increasingly embraced sustainable practices including the introduction of garments made with recycled polyester, the adoption of Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) fabrics, reducing packaging waste and becoming a carbon neutral business through verified carbon-offsetting while working to reduce emissions.