The Gold Brothers

Early Life and Beginnings in East London

The Gold brothers' journey started in the East End of London. This place was far from the luxury they would be linked with later. They grew up in a poor environment, but their drive to start a business showed itself early on.

As kids, they had a knack for finding chances to make money. They even set up stalls outside their home to sell different items. They did not realize that these early efforts would help them build a successful path in the British business world.

The Gold family's roots in Stepney

The Gold family's story is closely linked to London’s East End. Stepney, which is known for its strong communities and lively streets, was where they grew up. Life was tough in Stepney, especially after the war, when the brothers were young. The area had many signs of conflict and economic struggle. This made them strong and ambitious.

David Gold's early football aspirations and family decisions

The Gold brothers were both good in business. However, their paths were a bit different in their young years. David Gold loved football and dreamed of playing for West Ham United. But he had a big problem – he needed his dad's approval, and he did not get it for personal reasons.

This hit David hard, but it changed his life. It taught him how important it is to take charge of his future. He would keep this lesson as he built his business.

After giving up his dream of football, David focused on the family business. This change, driven by his situation and his goals, helped him join forces with his brother Ralph. Together, they started a journey that changed British adult entertainment.

The Formation of Gold Star Publications

The Gold brothers moved on from their early projects to try something bold: publishing. In 1972, they started Gold Star Publications. They began producing adult magazines at a time when many found this idea shocking.

This brave choice led them to rise as important figures in an industry full of secrets and debates. Their smart planning and courage to break rules helped Gold Star Publications become well-known, even if people often talked about it quietly.

Merging interests with David Sullivan

As Gold Star Publications became more popular, the brothers had to deal with tough competition, especially against rival publisher David Sullivan. The industry was profitable, but it often worked in a legal grey area, filled with fierce rivalries and harsh tactics.

Seeing that working together could help more than always fighting, the brothers made a smart choice. They combined their publishing business with Sullivan's, becoming a strong player in the British adult magazine market.

The evolution of a British magazine empire

The merger with Sullivan changed everything. Gold Star Publications, which started as a small company in the adult magazine market, grew into a large media business. They added many different types of magazines, moving beyond adult content to include softcore porn and men's lifestyle magazines.

Their successes went beyond just their magazines. They realized how important brand recognition is and started selling merchandise, expanding what they offered beyond print.

Parade, Rustler, Exclusive, Girls in Uniform, Journal of love, Play Dames, Whitehouse named after Mary Whitehouse.

Transforming Ann Summers into a High Street Brand

The Gold brothers made a smart move when they bought Ann Summers in 1972. At that time, Ann Summers was a small store mainly for men. The brothers saw a chance to make it much bigger.

They found that there was a need for change in the market. So, they decided to transform Ann Summers. They shifted its focus from being just for men to a brand that helped women feel strong and embrace their sexuality.

Acquisition and rebranding by the Gold brothers

The Gold brothers started the rebranding that helped Ann Summers grow, but it was Jacqueline Gold, David's daughter, who came up with a new idea. She created the Ann Summers Party Plan. This idea was simple and smart. It allowed women to host parties where they could look at and buy Ann Summers products in their own homes.

Sunday Sport

Founded by the Golds and David Sullivan on September 14, 1986, the Sunday Sport gained notoriety for its outrageous content and sensational headlines. The tabloid focused on sexualised content, featuring topless glamour models and controversial stories. Circulation peaked at 167,473 in 2005 before declining.

The Sunday Sport capitalized on the popularity of The Sun's Page 3 by focusing on sexualised content, featuring topless glamour models and even publishing a "nipple count" to highlight the number of exposed breasts in each issue. The tabloid stirred controversy by showcasing 15-year-old aspiring glamour models in revealing poses, anticipating the day when they could legally appear topless on their 16th birthdays, similar to what was done with Linsey Dawn McKenzie and Hannah Claydon. In 2005, The Sunday Sport achieved its highest circulation ever, reaching 167,473 copies.

Sullivan sold the titles in 2007 for £40 million but repurchased the Sunday Sport in 2011 for £50,000 after it went into administration due to financial issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the Gold brothers start their business empire?

The Gold brothers grew up in a humble home in London. They began their business journey by selling souvenirs and lambswool. Later on, they took a big step into the grey area of adult publications with Gold Star Publications. This move laid the groundwork for their empire. They built it by taking risks and spotting profitable markets.

Can you tell more about Gold Star Publications' magazine titles?

Gold Star Publications offers more than just its main adult titles, like Rustler and Raider. They have expanded to reach a larger audience. They have tried softcore pornography, men's lifestyle magazines, and even some non-adult publications.

What role did the Gold brothers play in the Sunday Sport's establishment?

The Sunday Sport is a tabloid that is famous for its shocking stories. It was created when the Golds worked together with David Sullivan. They started the newspaper in 1986 after their merger. This move helped them to become more visible in the media world. It showed that they could reach an audience eager for wild tales.