1991 was a time of cultural shifts, and with it came the birth of several influential British companies that, like Oasis, have left an enduring mark on the nation’s landscape.

Dyson

Dyson is a British technology company which was founded in 1991 by Sir James Dyson. It is renowned for its innovative engineering and design in household appliances, particularly vacuum cleaners. Its product portfolio has expanded over the years to include bladeless fans, air purifiers, hand dryers, hair care products, and lighting solutions.

The company originally gained prominence with its bagless vacuum cleaner, which utilised cyclonic separation to maintain strong suction without the need for disposable bags. This innovation set Dyson apart in a market dominated by conventional vacuum cleaners. Dyson's commitment to research and development has led to numerous patents and advanced technologies, such as digital motors and air multiplier technology.

Energis

Energis was a British telecommunications company founded in 1991 as a subsidiary of the National Grid Group. It was formed to utilise the fibre-optic network installed along the electricity pylons of the National Grid, providing high-speed data and voice communication services to businesses across the UK. Energis became one of the key players in the UK telecoms market during the late 1990s and early 2000s, capitalising on the demand for internet connectivity and broadband services.

The company offered a range of services including broadband internet, leased lines, and voice-over-IP (VoIP) solutions, primarily targeting corporate clients. Energis was known for its approach to utilising existing infrastructure, which allowed it to offer competitive services in a rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape.

PC World

PC World was a chain of retail shops specialising in PCs, consumer electronics, and other tech products. founded in 1991, it become one of the most recognised brands for computer and electronics retail in the UK. The stores also offered technical support services, including computer repairs, software installation, and setup assistance.

In 2014, PC World merged with Currys, another well-known British electronics retailer, under the ownership of Dixons Retail (which later became Dixons Carphone). The merger led to the rebranding of PC World stores as "Currys PC World," combining the strengths of both brands.       

Photek

Photek specialises in the design and manufacture of advanced photonic products, particularly in the areas of photon detection and imaging technologies. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in East Sussex, the company serves a global market, providing high-performance imaging and detection solutions to industries like scientific research, medical diagnostics, defence, space, and industrial inspection.

Photek's core expertise lies in developing and producing image intensifiers, photomultiplier tubes, and microchannel plates. These components are crucial for detecting and amplifying low levels of light in applications where precision and sensitivity are vital, such as in high-energy physics experiments, astronomy, nuclear research, and life sciences. The company's products are also used in time-of-flight mass spectrometry, a technique widely used in chemical analysis and molecular research.

In addition to its products, Photek is involved in ongoing research and development to advance photonic technologies, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the industry.

Vodafone

Vodafone is a multinational telecommunications company headquartered in Newbury, Berkshire, UK. Established in 1984 as a subsidiary of Racal Electronics, Vodafone became an independent company in 1991 and quickly grew to become one of the largest mobile network operators in the world.

Vodafone operates in over 20 countries, with partner networks in many more, serving hundreds of millions of customers globally. The company offers a wide range of telecommunications services, and is known for its global presence, having been a pioneer in rolling out new technologies, such as 4G and 5G, across its networks. In addition to consumer services, Vodafone also provides enterprise solutions, including Internet of Things connectivity, cloud services, and unified communications for businesses.