Major UK Timber Employer Enters Administration
National Timber Group, the United Kingdom's largest independent timber distribution and processing company, has collapsed into administration, resulting in more than 550 immediate redundancies and the closure of 13 branches across the country. The Yorkshire-based firm, which employed 1,150 people across 47 UK locations, appointed administrators from professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal after experiencing severe liquidity challenges during a difficult trading period.
Widespread Site Closures and Job Losses
The joint administrators – Michael Magnay, Gemma Quinn and Jonathan Marston – confirmed that 561 employees have been made redundant with immediate effect across various sites and central functions. They are providing support to affected staff through the redundancy process. A total of 13 of the group's branches have been shut down immediately, while the remaining locations continue to operate. Some production facilities have been temporarily mothballed.
The closed locations in England include:
- Bradford
- Cheltenham
- Rainham
- Peterborough
- Stoke
- Alfreton
- Northallerton
Scottish closures comprise:
- Dumbarton
- Forfar
- Newton Stewart
- Edinburgh – Hawkhill
- Anniesland
- Stirling
Financial Struggles and Sale Process
The companies behind National Timber Group – National Timber Group England Ltd and its parent firm National Timber Group Midco Ltd – initially filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators on November 13, 2025. The most recent accounts for National Timber Group England Ltd revealed a troubling financial picture. While turnover increased to £196.5 million in 2023 from £189.3 million the previous year, the company swung from an operating profit of £7.3 million in 2022 to a substantial loss of £27.1 million.
The administrators have now initiated an accelerated sale process for the business and assets of National Timber Group. Michael Magnay, joint administrator, stated: "National Timber Group is the UK's leading timber supplier to joiners, housebuilders and contractors, operating under a number of widely recognised brands. We are encouraged by the level of interest so far and we are hopeful of finding a buyer for all or parts of the group."
He added: "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."
The Group, headquartered in Sheffield, was formed through acquisitions of well-known brands including Thornbridge, NYTimber, Rembrand Timber and Arnold Laver. It maintained operations in major cities including Newcastle, Sunderland, Leeds, Hull, Manchester and Bristol before the administration.
