NORTHEND CELEBRATES 135 YEARS of QUALITY, TRUST & SERVICE

10th September 2024

When John William Northend left his safe job, aged 34, to begin his own business on August 24th 1889, he would have been concerned about how to create a business that would see the year out year, and not the 135 following.

His principles from day one were to offer a quality product together with the trust of customers and staff offering an unrivalled service. Applying those principles worked and, in 1914, having outgrown the original premises, JW bought land and built 49 West Street for £6626 funded in part by a mortgage of £3250 at 4.25 interest (some things don’t change!). 

Northend remained in this building for the next 74 years despite the damage caused by a 1000lb bomb during the Blitz of Sheffield on 12/13th December 1940. Even it didn’t stop the Bishop of Sheffield coming in to read the proofs of his Diocesan magazine the following morning. The job was delivered on time, in full the following Tuesday!
Today, Northend is recognised by the BPIF (British Printing Industries Federation) as one of the oldest printing companies in the UK and 49 West Street is now part of the Stonegate Group branded as Slug and Lettuce Cocktail bar and pub. To celebrate 135 years, the current custodians and team of 38 hardworking and enthusiastic staff are sharing memories with customers and other stakeholders back in the old factory over a Margarita or two.

What JW would make of it is hard to tell. He would however be thrilled that, by sticking to his principles of quality, trust and service, the business that he began all those years ago is still flourishing despite 2 World Wars, 2 factory moves and all the technological change the sector has seen during the 135 years. The customers are now nationwide but their needs are still placed at the centre of all decision-making.

Happy Birthday Northend and here’s to the next chapter of an amazing history.

*Photo credit Andy Gallacher Photography - https://andygallacher.photography/
** Cake by Nelly’s Sweet Treats - https://www.nellyssweettreats.co.uk/