Reconstruction was a keyword in post-war Luton, and with it the prospect of industrial progress. One consequence was an attempt to start new industries in the town. One such, The Luton News of February 13th, 1919, revealed, was The Trident Manufacturing Co Ltd.

The firm was involved in the manufacture of boot polish, furniture cream and similar domestic requisites. It had premises in Alma Street and was registered as a private company on January 13th with a capital of £2,000 in £1 shares. The subscribers were Mr R. N. Christie, of Milton Road, Harpenden; Mr J. H. Webdale, of Studley Road, Luton; and Mr F. C. Webdale, of Westbourne Road, Luton.

Said The Luton News: Although polish making is not new to Luton, it has not been carried on to any large extent. In an interview, Mr J. H. Webdale said his Wellington Street store had some time ago introduced a well-known make to Luton. Lately, however, there had been a great shortage, and that had provided an opportunity for the manufacture of polishes locally, independent of the Webdale business.

The company occupied premises in Alma Street previously used for storing matches, but which had been empty for some time. The building had been entirely reconstructed and a boiler house had been erected for steam-melting operations.

All kinds of boot, floor and furniture polishes were to be manufactured, and it was intended to supply the whole of the United Kingdom with the commodities.

Mr Webdale said an inquiry had already been received from a large boot firm with 150 branch shops, and another from an extensive Birmingham firm desirous of 'pushing' the polishes. It was likely the need would be greater that the supply initially.

From an employment point of view this trade should ultimately prove of importance to the town. Girls would be employed chiefly, and at present there were 40 or 50 on the premises. But there was ample space for work on a much larger scale.