HICO is a family owned company which was founded in 1928 when Walter K. Whigham bought Higham Park, near Canterbury in Kent, and renamed it Highland Court Farm.

Being based in the Garden of England gave the company its farming focus. It later acquired farms spread across East Kent; different farms on different land allowed for different crops and to some extent spread the risk of crops being wiped out by bad weather.

The acquisition of farms brought with it various properties, most of which are now let out to commercial and residential tenants.

The company continues to evolve and is looking forward to celebrating its centenary in 2028.