Charles Henry Drewitt started his own painting and decorating business in 1877.He was joined by his son, Charles James Drewitt and it was Charles James who moved the business to Bournemouth in 1910 and set up the firm as it is today. In 1918 he was joined by his son, Charles George Woodlands Drewitt, who was an apprentice carpenter. During the 1930’s and 1940’s the Company expanded into general contracting and defence works. The Family business was incorporated in July 1947 and Charles Drewitt remained as Chairman and Director until 1992. Michael James Drewitt joined the business in 1950 and although retired retained the Chairmanship of the Group until his death in 2005.

Over the years the Company has been responsible for building many landmarks in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas. In particular J E Beale’s department store in Bournemouth following bomb damage in the Second World War, the old Portman Building Society headquarters and Bournemouth Corporation Bus Depot, Mallard Road, Bournemouth. When James Drewitt & Son Limited stopped mainstream contracting in the early 1980’s the Company went through a period of considerable change. The old builders yard at 865 Ringwood Road was redeveloped into an industrial estate with a variety of units let out to tenants. In addition the two main trading companies Drewsons Building Maintenance and Drewlec Limited developed into the companies that exist today.

James Drewitt & Son Limited has a long history in the Bournemouth area and despite the many changes that have occurred in the Construction Industry is still based together with Drewsons Building Maintenance and Drewlec Limited in purpose built and owned offices at 865 Ringwood Road, Bournemouth. Together they form: The Drewitt Group of Companies