Research commissioned by Nottingham and Nottingham Trent Universities has revealed historical links between the high-street pharmacy Boots and the transatlantic slave trade.

The study highlights how financial ties and growth were influenced by the proceeds of enslavement, impacting British capitalism.

Jesse Boot, who expanded the company established by his father, was not directly involved in slavery but benefited from banks and properties with slavery connections.

The report, titled 'Nottingham’s Universities and Historical Slavery,' examines donors who contributed significantly to University College Nottingham (UCN) between 1875 and 1960.

Eight patrons were identified with links to the slave economy, contributing 36%-44% of donations.

Notable among these were Jesse Boot, Boots, Barclays, Midland Bank, Lloyds Bank, and the tobacco manufacturer John Player & Sons.

The document notes connections to enslaved labor and products, impacting Nottingham's industries: textiles, tobacco, banking, and pharmaceuticals.

Jesse Boot expanded his business with help from banks tied to slavery, using loans to grow Boots to 560 branches by World War I.

Boots' spokesperson endorsed the research for its transparency and highlighted the company's commitment to learn from its historical associations.

Professor Katherine Linehan of the University of Nottingham emphasized the importance of acknowledging these ties as a step toward reparative justice.

Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC, and NatWest have also addressed similar links, demonstrating a broader historical reflection among former business benefactors.