William became a partner in 1880 and on his uncle's retirement six years later, he became the sole proprietor of the business and formed it into the limited company of William Beardmore and Company in 1902.
William became a junior partner in 1879 and on his uncle's retirement seven years later he became the sole proprietor of the business. He rapidly expanded the business and formed it into the limited company of William Beardmore & Company, of which he became chairman and managing director, in 1902.