Timber merchant ‘positioned for growth’

Arnold Laver, the Sheffield-based timber merchants increased pre-tax profits by 21%to £6.4m in the year to June 30 2008.

Turnover was up 5% at £111m.

Andrew Laver, managing director of Arnold Laver & Co, said: “We are pleased with the figures for the year ending June 2008, with all divisions of the business showing an increase in profit. This is in recognition of the hard work everyone has put in place during previous years.

“As is to be expected with the national economy entering into recession, there has been a fall in turnover during the second part of 2008 for the timber division. We have however maintained our full depot network and continue to service our customers nationally on a daily basis. This includes daily deliveries to the Olympic Village where we are a nominated supplier to the Olympic Timber Supply Panel

“We are forecasting the private construction market to remain tough for the next year or so, however an analysis of our customer base shows approximately half are focused on public-sector market sectors.

“These sectors include the construction of schools and hospitals, all of which are forecast to continue growing over the next three years.

“The Timber division has also been active in developing long-term preferred supplier agreements with major civil engineering contractors who operate in these growth market sectors. These partnerships we are developing will serve the business well in the years ahead.

“There is no doubt that 2009 will be a challenge for everyone in the construction industry. However the actions we have taken to expand the business into growth sectors of the industry will ensure that we are well positioned to continue on our growth path as the economy eventually pulls out of recession.”

Arnold Laver Timber World, has 13 branches across the country.