Youngs
Business reminiscence page
James Youngs arrives in Norwich. He is believed to have been a bricklayer by trade. James begins self-employment as a carpenter and joiner. The business traded from premises at Chapel Field Road. They had timber sheds, plumbers, carpenters shops etc.
- 1851: By this year the basis was laid for the business to grow rapidly. Norwich was expanding and house building was going apace. James firm built houses in Heigham Street, West Wymer Street & Trory Street.
- 1870: James son, John joins the business.
- 1876: By this time, Youngs had started to build commercial buildings and they completed their first block of factories this year.
- 1884: Work began on Thorpe Station.
- 1886: Thorpe Station is completed. John becomes a full Partner in the Firm.
- 1909: Other buildings completed by the Firm about this time, were the Royal Hotel on Bank Plain, the Royal Arcade (built on the site of the old Royal Hotel), Higher Grade School in Duke Street, the Training College in College Road, Caley's chocolate factory, Yarmouth Hippodrome and the Grand Hotel at Cromer.
- 1914 on: Youngs continued to build in Norwich. The Firm moved to City Road after a very large fire.
- 1947: New Works premises were built on an enlarged site. Previous to this they had been working from wooden sheds following large-scale damage during the War years. Following World War II, Youngs played a large part in re-constructing the City of Norwich. Properties such as Bonds, Mackintosh's factory and many properties in St Stephen's Street.
- 1951: A special Centenary celebration Dinner was held for all 350 employees. This was held at the Lido Ballroom on Aylsham Road. Michael John Youngs was appointed as a Director of the Firm. He had worked with Youngs since leaving the Army.
- 1960's: Michael John Youngs suggested that spare Plant should be hired out to earn money and a new Plant Hire business was started. This business became very successful.
- 1967: Youngs becomes part of the R G Carter Group of Companies.
- 1970: Youngs built Prospect House which houses Eastern Counties Newspapers.
- 1971: The joinery department was sectioned off, to become Youngs Doors Ltd.