Premier Forest Products reflects on a landmark year of strategic growth and expansion which has “transformed the business into one of the UK’s largest independent timber and timber processing groups.”
Through major acquisitions, operational investment and continued workforce growth, Premier Forest says it has delivered this “despite continued economic pressure across the sector including fiscal changes, rising operational costs and ongoing geopolitical instability impacting global trade.”
It notes that the year has been heavily defined by the successful integration of several acquisitions including timber engineering specialist National Timber Systems and multiple former Arnold Laver sites from National Timber Group England which have further strengthened its capabilities across timber distribution, manufacturing and logistics throughout the UK.
Following its recent acquisitions, the business is expected to achieve revenues of £125 million for the year ending April 2026, with annualised turnover expected to reach £200 million next year.
Headcount has grown from approximately 400 employees to almost 800 across the group following the acquisitions, while the HR function has doubled in size to support workforce development.
The firm has also strengthened its senior leadership team through a series of strategic appointments and promotions, including the promotion of Neil Davies from Chief Financial Officer to Chief Financial and Operating Officer.
Terry Edgell, Co-founder & CEO, said: “The market has remained difficult for many businesses, particularly with ongoing fiscal pressures and the wider impact of geopolitical uncertainty on trading conditions. Our approach has been to continue investing in infrastructure, in systems, in capability and most importantly in people so we are ready to capitalise when markets strengthen again.
“We’ve built strong momentum over the last year, but ultimately our success comes down to our people. It is the talent within the organisation that drives Premier Forest forward.”
Neil Davies added: “Premier Forest has continued to evolve rapidly, with the business delivering significant growth over the last year through strategic acquisitions, expansion across key markets, and continued investment throughout the group. This progress has further strengthened our market position and created a broader, more resilient platform for future development.
“The next 12 months will be an important period for the business as we continue integrating our recent acquisitions, strengthening operations across the group, and building on the momentum we have created. With a growing national presence, an expanding customer base, and continued focus on operational excellence, the business is well positioned to support further sustainable long-term growth.”
Alongside commercial performance, Premier Forest’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments are increasingly said to be influencing customer relationships and procurement opportunities. For example, the business continues to expand programmes around its corporate parenting scheme with a new cohort joining the group in July, its prisoner rehabilitation scheme, military covenant commitments and employment support initiatives, with these projects now forming an important part of major framework discussions and tender opportunities.
As Terry explained: “ESG and social value are no longer secondary conversations, they are central to how major organisations select partners. What’s important for us is that these initiatives are authentic and embedded into the culture of the business, not simply box-ticking exercises.”
Premier Forest has also recently expanded banking facilities with HSBC which will support continued investment and ensure the business remains agile for future acquisition opportunities as the market evolves.
Looking ahead to 2027, the company’s priorities “remain focused on integration, operational efficiency, strategic growth and deepening customer partnerships across national sectors.”
For more information, visit the Premier Forest Products website
Main image: Co-founder & CEO Terry Edgell with Neil Davies, Chief Financial and Operating Officer.
