Trials and triumphs of superconductivity: the making of Oxford Instruments

In 1959 the author and his wife founded The Oxford Instrument Company to design, manufacture and supply equipment for generating high magnetic fields to a small scientific research community. Fundamental discoveries in the field of superconductivity soon introduced radical changes to the technological base and put the company on the road to rapid expansion in a number of different markets. Growth from a small private company into a diversified, science-based, international operation employing nearly 1500 people and with sales of over $170 million, has presented them with many interesting technical, business and human challenges. The author describes some of the landmarks along the way, and highlights elements from his experience which may be of interest to others embarking down the same track.<>