Maurice Rapport was brought up in poverty at the end of the 19th Century in the East End of London, where he attended the Jews Free School with his friend, Harris Jerevitch. The school provided hot milk and a slice of bread each morning for those who wanted it. A hot dinner was also available for a penny with the two pupils with good conduct in every class being given a 'penny dinner' ticket. Maurice and Harris, who were both class monitors, frequently earned those tickets. The boys left school on the same day with Harris going on to the Jews College. He became a Rabbi and served Cardiff's Cathedral Road Synagogue from 1908 for 45 years.

 

By 1922, the company had changed their name to M. A. Rapport and moved to 100-103 Bridge Street, where they remain. The Rapport family is one of the most famous Jewish families in Cardiff and have set up several successful businesses. Maurice Rapport was an active member of the Jewish Community and was present at the opening of the Home for Aged Jews in Canton in 1946.