A lot of the "traditional British boiled sweet" category on a pick 'n' mix shelf traces back to a small number of long-running family firms, and Stockley's is one of the oldest still trading under its own name, more than a century after it started.
Founded by a returning soldier in 1918
Stockley's was established in 1918 by Malcolm Stockley in Accrington, Lancashire, on his return from the First World War. Accounts of the early business describe it starting on a genuinely small scale, in keeping with a craft that was still largely artisanal in the early 20th century before confectionery manufacturing industrialised.
A long product list built over decades
Beyond the boiled sweets the name is best known for, Stockley's range has historically included fudge, cinder toffee and regional specialities such as Coltsfoot Rock, plus Liquorice Flyers, which date back to 1946 — giving the company a product history that spans most of the 20th century.
Administration, a buyer, and a new site
The business isn't untouched by the wider pressures on British manufacturing: it went through administration after the failure of its then-parent company, before being bought out by Leeds-based wholesaler Morris and Son. More recently, trade press reported in October 2025 that the firm had moved into a new 60,000 sq ft facility as part of its growth plans — a modest 10-mile relocation rather than a change of region. The company's own site describes it as still privately owned.
What we stock
We currently carry Stockley's Sherbet Lemons 3kg, Stockley's Chocolate Flavoured Limes 3kg and Stockley's Cola Cubes 3kg, all in stock as bulk bags — ideal for topping up a pick 'n' mix counter or sweet jar. Browse the rest of our Stockley's range, part of our wider retro sweets collection.
Frequently asked questions
When was Stockley's founded?
In 1918, in Accrington, Lancashire, by Malcolm Stockley on his return from the First World War.
Has Stockley's always been independent?
No. The business went through administration after its then-parent company failed, and was bought out by Leeds-based wholesaler Morris and Son. It's reported to still be privately owned today.
What does Stockley's actually make?
A wide range of traditional British boiled sweets, plus fudge, cinder toffee and regional specialities like Coltsfoot Rock and Liquorice Flyers, which date back to 1946.
What does Supreme Sweets stock from Stockley's?
Sherbet Lemons, Chocolate Flavoured Limes and Cola Cubes, all in 3kg bulk bags, currently in stock.