Premier Forest Products, the Newport-headquartered timber group, has reported surging revenues driven by a strategy of acquisitions and organic growth. The company expects audited revenues for its last financial year to April 2026 to come in at £125m, with revenues for the current 2026/27 year forecast to rise significantly to £200m.
Acquisitions boost capabilities
Over the past year, Premier Forest has made several key acquisitions, including timber engineering specialist National Timber Systems and multiple former Arnold Laver sites from National Timber Group England. These additions have strengthened the group's capabilities in timber distribution, manufacturing, and logistics.
The company is one of the UK's leading independent timber and timber processing groups. It has delivered this growth despite continued economic pressure across the sector, including fiscal changes, rising operational costs, and ongoing geopolitical instability impacting global trade.
Workforce and leadership expansion
Headcount has grown from 400 employees to almost 800 across the group following the acquisitions. The HR function has doubled in size to support workforce development. The senior leadership team has also been strengthened through strategic appointments and promotions, including the promotion of Neil Davies from chief financial officer to chief financial and operating officer.
ESG commitments drive customer relationships
Premier Forest said its environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments are increasingly influencing customer relationships and procurement opportunities. The business continues to expand programmes around its corporate parenting scheme, prisoner rehabilitation scheme, military covenant commitments, and employment support initiatives. These projects now form an important part of major framework discussions and tender opportunities.
The company recently expanded banking facilities with HSBC, which will support continued investment and ensure the business remains agile for future acquisition opportunities as the market evolves.
CEO and CFO comments
Terry Edgell, co-founder and chief executive 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, in systems, in capability and most importantly in people so we are ready to capitalise when markets strengthen again.
“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 into the culture of the business, not 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 within the organisation that drives Premier Forest forward.”
Neil Davies said: “Premier Forest has continued to evolve rapidly, with the business 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 development.
“The next 12 months will be an important period for the business 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 continued focus on operational excellence, the business is well positioned to support further sustainable long-term growth.”
