In Holt during November of 1961, John Allison began what was to be one of the most forward thinking plumbing and heating businesses in North Norfolk. John had a vision for his company and set about running it with a strong family ethos, hard work ethics and a vision for his company. Already a qualified plumbing and heating engineer, it was only 2 years from starting his business that he employed his first apprentice in 1963. John believed it was important to pass on trades to the younger generation.

From 1967-1970 John formed a partnership with Ray Foreman and operated a shop from New Street in Holt. In 1976 Allison Heating and Plumbing became one of the first firms to be involved in solar water heating systems. In 1984 John purchased land at Old Station Way in Holt. He constructed a building to enable him to have workshops, storage areas and garaging for the firms vehicles. Just a couple of years later he applied for retail planning permission. This allowed him to appoint a salesman and store man for the sale of plumbing materials and goods. That initial building is the same site occupied by the company today.

Allison Heating Plumbing Ltd. remains a family business with John’s son in law Simon Elliott and John’s son Michael Allison as company directors. Additionally, his daughter’s Sharon Morter and Jackie Elliott work for the business, as company secretary and showroom manager, respectively.