UK’s largest independent timber supplier enters administration

The UK’s largest independent timber supplier has appointed administrators, who say they are hopeful of finding a buyer for the business.

Sheffield-based National Timber Group England Ltd and its holding parent, National Timber Group Midco Ltd, both filed a notice of intention earlier this month.

Michael Magnay, Gemma Quinn and Jonathan Marston of Alvarez & Marsal were appointed as joint administrators yesterday (26 November).

National Timber Group was created through the acquisitions of brands including Thornbridge, NYTimber, Rembrand Timber and Arnold Laver and employed 1,150 people across 47 sites in England and Scotland.

In a statement, the administrators said the firm had been placed into administration following “a difficult trading period and resultant liquidity challenges”.

“Unfortunately, there have been 561 immediate redundancies across sites and central functions, and the administrators are supporting these employees through the redundancy process,” they said.

“Thirteen of the group’s branches have been closed with immediate effect, with the remaining sites continuing to operate. Additionally, some of the company’s production facilities have been mothballed.”

The administrators said they have launched a sale process for the business and its assets.

Magnay said the administrators were “encouraged” by the level of interest in the firm and were “hopeful of finding a buyer for all parts of the group”.

“National Timber Group is the UK’s leading timber supplier to joiners, housebuilders and contractors, operating under a number of widely recognised brands,” it said.

“As joint administrators, we have launched an accelerated sale process, and we encourage any interested parties to contact us as soon as possible.

“Regrettably, the company’s liquidity challenges have led to a number of immediate redundancies.

“We are committed to supporting the affected employees through the redundancy process.

“We appreciate the support and patience of the highly skilled workforce in difficult circumstances, particularly at this time of year.”

In its most recent audited accounts for the 2023 calendar year, National Timber Group England posted a pre-tax loss of £6.3m from turnover of £196.6m.

In the accounts, directors blamed “continued macroeconomic uncertainty” and high interest rates for a “significant reduction in demand”.

They also cited a business restructuring process that resulted in a £21.7m impairment loss.

National Timber Group England was established in 1920.

The group describes itself on its website as the largest independent timber supplier in the UK, serving “a diverse customer base including joiners, housebuilders and contractors, and is a favoured supplier of large-scale infrastructure projects”.

In March 2025, the government outlined plans to prioritise domestic timber use, particularly in residential construction, aiming to reduce dependence on international supply chains and stimulate the economy.

Construction News reported in June that quarterly timber and panel imports increased for the first time in four years, with volumes rising 0.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024.