Holts Decorators Ltd, formerly JOHN A. HOLT DECORATORS LIMITED - Established 1899

1899 was the year in which John Alfred Holt, Master Painter, embarked upon his own business from his end terraced house in Vernon Street, Bolton employing only his father Abraham who was also a time served craftsman.

His business profited from regular customers in the local Chorley New Road and Heaton areas of Bolton, and he was soon able to employ more craftsmen, whose only means of transporting ladders and materials was by pushing a handcart, sometimes as far as Horwich before starting a days work.

During the First World War when all the painters were conscripted, John Alfred Holt remained with his father to carry on the business until the cease of the hostilities in 1918.

In 1926 the company moved to new premises in Arkwright Street and John's brother, Wilfred was engaged as foreman and later took over the business following John's retirement.

It was in 1930 that a young Albert Todd, (nephew to John & Wilfred) became apprenticed to 'John A. Holt', before joining the Army in the spring of 1940 and serving in the Second World War. At the end of the war Albert's painting skills were put to good use teaching at the rehabilitation centre in Bedfordshire. On his return to Bolton, Albert accepted the offer of a partnership with Wilfred who ultimately retired after 12 months. On becoming sole proprietor, Albert moved his family into the premises at Arkwright Street and began the hard task of “building the family business.” Gradually, as the work capacity and the workforce increased, the old system of "laying off" during the winter months became less frequent (a practice which Albert remembered with bitterness.)

John A. Holt (Decorators) became a limited company in 1955 and continued to build on it's reputation for quality. In 1966 Albert's son, Stephen began his apprenticeship with the company.

Following a compulsory purchase order for Arkwright Street in 1958, premises in Astley Bridge were acquired and re-organised to suit the purpose of an enterprising Painting and Decorating company, and in it's third home John A. Holt (Decorators) Limited continues to thrive, whilst at the same time retaining it's standard of excellence as laid down by it's predecessors.

Albert Todd retired from the business in 1982, and died in 1990, his skills and management ability continue through his son Stephen.

During April 2006 after a long business association Peakway Group aquired the business with a view to enhacing J A Holts long standing reputation.