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Summary
Harmood Banner was, by trade, an accountant. His reputation was made while chairman of the Liverpool and Harrington Water company, and subsequently as chairman of the Liverpool Gas and Coke company. He was a city councillor for the St Peter's Ward during the 1850's, and was described as "Grave and sedate in appearance, and sits wrapped in thought as if he were somewhat careworn." His first venture into the profession of accountancy was in 1814 when he joined in partnership with Thomas Billinge (his Brother-in-law).

In 1816 he was given the dubious honour of being appointed liquidator to a bank. Namely that of James Aspinall of Liverpool, Bankers. His reputation grew, as did his business and soon the company Harmood Banner & Co was one of the most respected Accountancy firms in the country. We can trace the origins of one of today's largest accountancy firms, Coopers & Lybrand, back to Harmood Banner & Co.

Harmood Banner also had an enormous interest in the well-being of children, especially those who found their way into the various orphanages around Liverpool. He founded and played an active role in the Liverpool Boys & Girls Orphanage in Myrtle Street, Liverpool. In Pen and Ink Studies of Liverpool Councillors, Shimmin noted: "Day by day Mr. Banner may be found visiting the fatherless in their affliction, and giving to hundreds of destitute orphans that paternal council which he well knows how to bestow"