NEWS FROM MEMBERS
James Jones acquires GT Timber James Jones & Sons Ltd has announced the acquisition of GT Timber Ltd, the holding company of Taylormade Timber Products Ltd and Kerr Timber Products Ltd which operate sawmills at Sherburn Hill, Durham and Annan respectively. The acquisition will increase James Jones & Sons Ltd’s annual sawn output to 800,000m3 thereby consolidating its position as the UK’s largest privately owned sawmill, timber engineering and pallet manufacturing company. “We are delighted to have concluded this transaction,” commented Tom BruceJones, Chairman of James Jones & Sons Ltd, “and are really pleased that the existing management team are staying on within the enlarged group to provide continuity, facilitate the integration and to help realise our long-term strategic plans. The sawn output from both mills will complement our portfolio and will allow us to offer increased product opportunities for our existing, and newly expanded, customer base.” “On behalf of our shareholders and employees, I am very pleased that GT Timber Ltd will become part of the James Jones Group.” said Jilly Wentworth, Managing Director of GT Timber Ltd, “Their extensive timber industry experience and financial strength will allow the investment programme that we have already started to reach a successful conclusion. The sale process was completed quickly and smoothly, reinforcing our long-held views that James Jones & Sons Ltd is a family company, who shares the same values, ethos and philosophy. We are very excited 16 FORESTRY & TIMBER NEWS • April 2021
about the future.” The combined group will now operate eight sawlines, supplying the most technologically advanced secondary processing facilities in the UK, offering quality, value added products and employing 1225 people. The Group’s Timber Systems Division manufactures JJI-Joists from its operation
at Forres and has the capacity to supply engineered floors for 200,000 new house builds per annum. The Pallet and Packaging Division has 16 sites located across the UK and manufactures pallets and packaging as well as inspection and repair sites for each of the major pallet pools in the UK. www.jamesjones.co.uk
Savills launches natural capital service in Scotland Savills has launched a new service line to assist rural businesses identify, assess and enhance the natural assets over which they have stewardship whilst reducing and mitigating the impact of their operations on the environment. Savills Natural Capital Team combines Scotland-wide expertise in strategic planning, forestry, farming, valuation, habitat restoration, policy and research. William Hawes has been appointed Head of Natural Capital in Scotland. He said: “Natural capital is a term with which the sector is becoming increasingly familiar, but it’s a fast-evolving and therefore potentially daunting subject. “As rural businesses redouble their commitments as stewards of their environment, land managers seek clear guidance on incorporating natural capital into their decision-making to ensure that the associated risks and opportunities are identified and assessed. Yet deter-
mining where to begin can be challenging and finding practical and deliverable solutions has been a key barrier to entry.” With experience in identifying, measuring and restoring a range of natural assets – from woodland and peatland, to soil and biodiverse habitats - Savills is already working with a number of rural businesses to develop practical natural capital strategies, helping them maximise opportunities presented by new environmental frameworks, emerging policies and markets. The team’s recent projects include whole business carbon audits to map out emission reduction strategies and the route to net zero; landscape-scale habitat creation and carbon sequestration projects accredited under the Woodland and Peatland Carbon Codes, and conversion to regenerative farming practices. www.savills.co.uk/services/ consultancy/natural-capital.aspx
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