The Colman Group's History

The Colman Group is a 5th generation family business and has been run by one of the Colman family since trading started in 1860. Through that time the business has operated from several locations in and around Norwich city centre from St. Andrew’s Hill, Cowgate, Rowntree Way, Avian Way and now Pinetrees Business Park. Throughout that time the business has developed from a small local enterprise to one with a national and international customer base, however the emphasis still remains on delivering customers an efficient and personal service.

  1. Event 1

    Business started in 1860 by J. Colman trading as Printers and Engravers trading from St. Andrew’s Hill off London Street in Norwich.

  2. Event 2

    During the 1920s the business added a Commercial stationery business to that of the existing print and engraving.

  3. Event 3

    During the 1950s the business went in to the Wholesale stationery sector to compliment the Commercial stationery offering.

  4. Event 4

    Through expansion of the print business during the 1980s additional space was needed and the business relocated to Rowntree Way with Wholesale and Commercial moving to Cowgate, Norwich.

  5. Event 5

    2002 the business moved in to production and retail with a move to Avian Way in Norwich.

  6. Event 6

    2013 and the business has again outgrown current requirements leading to the purchase of the old RBS building on Pinetrees Way, this ex call centre is repurposed into a 30,000 square feet warehouse operation to house the Wholesale and greeting cards side of the business.