Premier Forest Products has outlined ambitious growth plans after completing a significant period of expansion that has strengthened its position within the UK timber industry. The independent timber and timber processing group is targeting annual turnover of £200 million in 2027, supported by strategic acquisitions, investment in operational capabilities and continued workforce development.
The business expects to report revenue of £125 million for the financial year ending April 2026. Based on current performance and the successful integration of newly acquired operations, annualised turnover is projected to reach the £200 million milestone during the following year.
The growth strategy has transformed the company into one of the UK’s largest independent timber businesses.
Several acquisitions have been completed over the past year. These include timber engineering specialist National Timber Systems alongside multiple former Arnold Laver locations acquired from National Timber Group England. The additions have significantly expanded the company’s operational footprint across the country.
Its capabilities have been strengthened. New markets have also been accessed.
The enlarged organisation now offers broader expertise across timber distribution, manufacturing and logistics. This enhanced network enables the company to support a wider customer base while improving operational efficiency throughout the United Kingdom.
The expansion has taken place during a challenging trading environment.
Businesses across the UK timber market continue to face increasing pressure from fiscal policy changes, higher operating costs and geopolitical uncertainty affecting international trade. Despite these conditions, Premier Forest Products has maintained its long-term investment strategy.
The company has prioritised sustainable growth rather than short-term cost reductions.
Its acquisition programme has significantly increased workforce numbers. Employee headcount has expanded from approximately 400 to almost 800 people following the completion of the recent business integrations.
This rapid growth has required additional investment in people management.
The human resources function has doubled in size to support recruitment, employee development and organisational integration. Strengthening internal capabilities has become a key priority as the enlarged business continues to evolve.
Leadership has also been reinforced.
Several senior appointments and internal promotions have been announced as part of the company’s long-term growth strategy. One of the most notable changes is the promotion of Neil Davies from Chief Financial Officer to Chief Financial and Operating Officer.
The expanded executive structure has been designed to support increasing operational complexity while ensuring the business remains well positioned for future expansion opportunities.
Alongside commercial growth, environmental and social performance continues to receive greater attention across the organisation.
The company’s ESG strategy has become an increasingly important factor in customer engagement and procurement decisions. Sustainability and responsible business practices are now influencing discussions around major frameworks and tender opportunities.
Several community-focused programmes continue to be developed.
Premier Forest Products is expanding its corporate parenting initiative, with a new intake joining the organisation during July. The programme forms part of the company’s wider commitment to creating employment opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Additional investment has also been made in its prisoner rehabilitation programme.
Support for military personnel through the Armed Forces Covenant remains another important element of the business’s social responsibility agenda. Employment support initiatives are also continuing to grow as part of the company’s wider workforce development strategy.
These projects are increasingly recognised by customers evaluating suppliers against broader environmental, social and governance criteria.
Financial flexibility has also been strengthened.
The company recently expanded its banking facilities with HSBC. The enhanced funding arrangements are expected to support continued capital investment while providing additional flexibility to pursue future acquisition opportunities as market conditions develop.
Access to increased financial resources will allow the business to remain responsive to changing opportunities within the timber sector.
Investment has continued despite economic uncertainty.
Premier Forest Products believes maintaining investment during more challenging periods will create a stronger competitive position when market conditions improve.
Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Terry Edgell acknowledged that trading conditions remain difficult across much of the industry.
He noted that ongoing fiscal pressures and geopolitical instability continue to affect businesses operating throughout the timber supply chain. However, the company has chosen to focus on strengthening its operational capabilities rather than slowing investment.
According to Edgell, investment in infrastructure, business systems and organisational capability has remained a central priority. He also highlighted the importance of developing employees as the business prepares for future market recovery.
This long-term approach reflects confidence in the company’s growth strategy.
By expanding operational capacity while strengthening internal expertise, Premier Forest Products aims to improve resilience across all areas of the business.
The successful integration of recent acquisitions is expected to create additional efficiencies. It will also broaden the company’s ability to serve customers across multiple timber markets.
As demand for integrated timber solutions continues to evolve, the enlarged business is well positioned to deliver a wider range of products and services through its expanded national network.
Looking ahead, Premier Forest Products intends to build on the momentum created through acquisition-led growth, workforce investment and operational improvements. With a clear focus on commercial performance, responsible business practices and strategic expansion, the company is positioning itself for continued development within the UK timber industry while working towards its target of achieving £200 million annual turnover in 2027.
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