Company history

Mr Richard Jordan founded his company registration and law stationery business in 1863, operating from 123 Chancery Lane, London. In 1895 he converted the business into a private limited company, which it has remained ever since.


The very first book was published in 1869, titled “The Joint Stock Companies Handbook”. This became “Gore-Browne on Companies and is still one of the leading textbooks on company law. Today, Jordan Publishing Limited is the third largest legal publisher in Britain, offering over 200 book titles, more than 14 law reports and journals and running over 150 legal courses.


In 1968 the ownership of the company moved from the Jordans’ family to Tyndalls, the investment business wing of chartered accountants, Grace Derbyshire & Todd. The company’s head office also moved out of central London to Bristol. In 1973 the present parent company, The West of England Trust Limited, acquired the Jordans’ operation. In 1979 Oswalds, (established in 1878 as John Oswald & Son), were aquired by the Jordan Group.


International operations began in the 1960s, through a small office in the Isle of Man. A full network of offshore branches was established during the 1980s, starting with the opening of our Gibraltar office.


The company has always taken the lead in electronic developments. We were asked by Companies House to assist in the introduction of its e-filing service in 1998. In 2001, Jordans was one of the first formation agents to be authorised to file electronically.


Since then we have developed various online solutions and in 2001 launched Incorporator (volume formations), PCSec (PC software providing company secretarial solutions for multiple users) and JordanWatch (online company searches and financial information).