Sinclair Research Ltd

Sinclair Research Ltd traces its roots back to 1973, when Sir Clive Sinclair acquired a dormant company, Ablesdeal Ltd. Renamed Sinclair Instruments in 1975, the company initially focused on electronic calculators and miniature television sets. In 1977, it became Science of Cambridge, launching the MK14 — an affordable kit computer that hinted at bigger ambitions. By 1979, it transitioned again to Sinclair Computers Ltd, and finally, in 1981, it was rebranded as Sinclair Research Ltd.

Under this final name, Sinclair would leave an indelible mark on home computing with the ZX80, ZX81, and the wildly popular ZX Spectrum. These low-cost, compact computers democratized technology in the UK and beyond. Later innovations like the Sinclair QL and the C5 electric vehicle met with mixed success, and in 1986, Sinclair’s computer division was sold to Amstrad. Despite these ups and downs, Sinclair Research's influence on affordable computing and British tech culture remains legendary.