George Unite and James Hilliard founded the business in 1825 in Birmingham. The partnership was closed before 1845 and the business was continued by George Unite until 1865 c. In 1854 the firm was active at 65 Caroline Street, Birmingham and in London at Thavies Inn, Holborn through its agents George Groom (1852) and J.T. Chapman (1854). The firm advertised as manufacturer of Gold and Silver brooches, bracelets, fish carvers, dessert knives and forks, card cases, cake knives, knife fork and spoon, fruit knives, butter knives, pickle forks, caddy shells, sugar scoops and sifters, cups, cigar cases, pens, etc.....

The firm changed to George Unite & Sons (c. 1865) and one of its partners was George Richard Unite (c. 1880). After his death (1896) the partnership with Edward Willoughby Unite and William Oliver Unite was dissolved (1897).

William Henry Lyde (electroplate manufacturer) continued the activity at 50 Newhall Hill, Birmingham and in 1928 the business was converted into a limited liability company as George Unite Sons & Lyde Ltd

The firm entered sterling silver marks at Birmingham Assay Office (as Unite & Hilliard in 1825 and various marks from 1832 to 1928 as George Unite, George Unite & Sons, George Unite Sons & Lyde Ltd), London Assay Office (1886 and 1889: George R. Unite, small worker), Chester Assay Office (1897 and 1898: Harry Lyde trading as George Unite & Sons), Sheffield Assay Office (1861)