The Parent Organisation Ltd was launched by two brothers, Bill and Andy Hibberd, both of whom were in their 40s and both of whom were fathers.

At the time of launch, Bill had two teenage daughters and Andy had two infant sons. Both brothers were professional men, moderately successful and both enjoyed an occasional game of golf when busy schedules permitted.

Bill’s professional life had been spent in finance, insurance and training while Andy had been a journalist and PR consultant for 25 years, during much of which he was self-employed.

Bill’s job involved a considerable amount of driving, giving him time to mull ideas over in his mind. Andy’s background enabled him to recognise the potential of ideas and quickly develop them.

Although neither knew of the other’s concerns, both had been growing increasingly troubled about how consideration for parents’ needs appeared to be playing a decreasing part in the thinking of manufacturers, designers and service providers. During a rare game of golf, Bill mentioned an idea he’d had which he thought could form the foundation for a business. It was not far removed from an idea that had sprung into Andy’s mind a short while earlier but which had not yet been nurtured.

Round table meetings and much discussion followed and three months later The Parent Organisation was born.