James Watt was not a 'people person'. He once said that talking to strangers gave him a headache. Where would his steam experiments have led without business partners?

The scientist Joseph Black provided Watt with a generous loan. Later John Roebuck, a chemist with mining interests, had Watt build an experimental engine at his home. He also introduced Watt to Matthew Boulton.

Boulton was an astute Birmingham manufacturer and businessman. He recognised the potential of Watt's improved steam engine.