Died
1988
Aged 78
Born
1909
Sources
North Western Evening Mail
Oxley Developments website
Robert Frederick Oxley. A Scientific Businessman. Oxley Developments Co Ltd. 1990
Place
Robert Frederick (Freddy) Oxley
A local businessman who founded a very successful electrical component /electronics manufacturing firm, still based in Bardsea.
Precious Memories of
My Darling Husband
ROBERT FREDERICK OXLEY
1909 – 1988
So Very Deeply Loved
Photograph from the North-Western Evening Mail 3 August 1988
The North-Western Evening Mail 3 August 1988, announced his death:
Freddy Oxley dies at 78
The founder of Ulverston-based Oxley Developments, Mr. Freddy Oxley, has died in the Isle of Man. He was 78.
Born in Antwerp, of a Yorkshire family of merchants, he set up the company in 1942 to produce ceramic condensers for vital radio equipment, which until the war had been imported from Germany.
Mr. Oxley had started his own business making condensers in a garden shed in Ruislip, having been export manager of the old established Telegraph Condenser Company in London since 1931. (At the age of 22! – RMW)Today, Oxley leads in the research, design and production of high quality miniaturised electronic components.
A keen innovator, he received a certificate in 1986 commemorating his 100th worldwide patent, and received a Design Council award in 1975.
Research
Mr. Oxley was a firm believer in self-sufficiency and re-investment, and encouraged basic research and constant striving for perfection.
Considered by many in his field to be in advance of his time, his multi-disciplinary approach to electronic problems led to many advances within the company which is now pushing into the US market.
Despite ill-health, he still maintained a strong interest in the company.
He was educated in Rotterdam and in Paris, at the Sorbonne, and was fluent in at least five languages and a man of wide culture.
Mr Oxley leaves a widow, Ann, who he married in 1968.
On his death, Oxley’s published a book celebrating his life “Robert Frederick Oxley. A Scientific Businessman” (Oxley Developments Company Ltd. 1990). From an early age he developed a keen interest in radio, building his first set while still a schoolboy. In 1940, days before the fall on Paris, he was sent by the Ministry of Aircraft Production to buy a stock of German-made ceramic capacitor parts used in the British radar network. There is a pleasing irony here, German components helping to detect German aircraft over Britain.
Oxley Developments moved to Priory Park, Bardsea, in the early 1950s, where they remain to this day.
According to the book, Mr. Oxley had many interests: he could pilot light aircraft; enjoyed fine cars and fine wine; was an excellent shot; danced well and played the piano.
Today (Feb 2020), Oxley Developments website, Our History section, says:
Oxley Developments Company Ltd was founded by the late Robert Frederick (Freddy) Oxley in 1942. Freddy started in business in 1940 producing capacitors for the military. Following the Blitz, the Ministry of Aircraft Production instructed Freddy to relocate to safer premises. He moved to the Lake District in 1942 and established Oxley in Market Place, Ulverston (The building is currently the Oxfam shop – RMW). Oxley moved in the 1950’s to Priory Park, Bardsea which has been the site of the company headquarters ever since.
Innovation and Creativity
Oxley has a history that is rich with innovation and creativity. Freddy had over 150 patents to his name and the company continues to lead the way in the development of new products and technologies.
Freddy encouraged a creative culture and urged his employees to look at innovative ways of improving and adapting products. This attitude to innovation, quality and manufacturing excellence has always been at the heart of the company’s success. His mission was to push the boundaries of thought and develop unique solutions. This way of doing things is still prominent throughout the company today.
