Premier Forest Products targets £200m turnover following landmark year of growth

Neil Davies and Terry Edgell

Premier Forest Products has completed a landmark year of strategic growth and expansion, strengthening its position as one of the UK’s largest independent timber and timber processing groups through major acquisitions, operational investment and continued workforce growth.

The business has achieved this growth despite continued economic pressures across the sector, including fiscal changes, rising operating costs and ongoing geopolitical instability affecting global trade.

The year has been defined by the successful integration of several acquisitions, including timber engineering specialist National Timber Systems and multiple former Arnold Laver sites acquired from National Timber Group England.

These additions have further strengthened Premier Forest’s 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 forecast to reach £200 million during 2027.

Headcount across Premier Forest has grown from approximately 400 employees to almost 800 following the acquisitions, while the HR function has doubled in size to support workforce development and integration.

The business 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.

Alongside its commercial performance, Premier Forest’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments are playing an increasingly important role in customer relationships and procurement opportunities.

The business continues to expand its corporate parenting programme, with a new cohort joining the group in July, alongside its prisoner rehabilitation scheme, Armed Forces Covenant commitments and wider employment support initiatives. These programmes are now forming an increasingly important part of major framework discussions and tender opportunities.

Premier Forest has also expanded its banking facilities with HSBC, providing additional capacity to support continued investment and ensuring the business remains well positioned to pursue future acquisition opportunities as the market evolves.

Terry Edgell, Co-founder & CEO of Premier Forest Products, 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, systems, capability and, most importantly, our people so that we are ready to capitalise when markets strengthen.

“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 within the culture of the business, rather than simply box-ticking exercises.

“We’ve built strong momentum over the last year, but ultimately our success comes down to our people. It is the talent across the organisation that drives Premier Forest forward.”

Neil Davies, Chief Financial and Operating Officer, added: “Premier Forest has continued to evolve rapidly, 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 growth.

“The next 12 months will be an important period 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 a continued focus on operational excellence, the business is well positioned to deliver sustainable long-term growth.”

Looking ahead to 2027, Premier Forest’s priorities remain focused on completing the integration of its recent acquisitions, driving operational efficiency, delivering strategic growth and deepening customer partnerships across national markets.

For more information on the company, see www.premierforest.co.uk.