After a 60-year career in timber Peter Kershaw, of North Yorkshire headquartered timber merchants NYTimber (now part of National Timber Group), has retired.
Peter was Managing Director of NYTimber from 1996 to 2009, then continued to work part-time with the business on specialist products, sales and some staff training.
The first step in Peter’s timber career was all down to chance. He left grammar school in December 1962 aged 17 with one GCE and was applying for jobs. He took the first job he was offered at Thomas Aspden, an independent timber merchant in Blackburn, as a stock clerk. He then had a variety of roles in the office. A few years’ later the company was bought by Southern’s Ltd.
Peter was already studying for the Institute of Wood Science Certificate which he gained in 1967, attending Manchester College of Building and Manchester University after work. He moved into sales, further promotions followed and he subsequently joined the company’s in-house management training scheme.
In 1974, a move to a contractor then to a large joinery company as a buyer gave Peter first-hand experience from the customer’s perspective.
“My advice to anyone building a career in timber would be to take every opportunity to study and keep learning about the industry and the products you are dealing with. See timber wherever you can – in its natural state, in production, as a finished product.”
Peter joined NYTimber at Northallerton in 1985, having been asked by the company’s founder David Cook. David and Peter had met and become friends in the early 70s whilst both working for Southern’s at Blackburn.
Peter commented: “Given the fairly general nature of the first job I had, I’ve been very lucky being able to make a career in the industry working with a product I love. My move to NYTimber was definitely the most significant part of my career. There have been highs and lows but overall it has been a very enjoyable time. I have met many people in the trade who are still friends.
“I think it’s important to be reliable, honest and work hard. My advice to anyone building a career in timber would be to take every opportunity to study and keep learning about the industry and the products you are dealing with. See timber wherever you can – in its natural state, in production, as a finished product.”
Peter was also involved in organising fundraising golf days for the Timber Trades Benevolent Society for 15 years whilst at NYTimber.
NYTimber became part of National Timber Group (NTG) in 2018 and Tom Andrews, Trade Branch Director NTG England, commented: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Peter, he is 100% customer centric. His product knowledge is extremely impressive and the way he works with colleagues has been great to see too, he is very patient and understanding.”
Nick Kershaw, Peter’s son, became Managing Director of NYTimber in 2009 and is now MD of National Timber Systems, also part of National Timber Group.
Nick said: “Peter has a vast knowledge and passion for all things timber. Over his long career he has led the way in aiming for service excellence through commitment to his customers, staff and suppliers. On behalf of all at National Timber Group we wish Peter a long and happy retirement.”
