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BSW’s Tony Hackney to retire


Under his leadership, BSW has undergone a period of unprecedented growth and acquisition, with turnover increasing from approximately £100m annually to over £900m.


Strategic acquisitions have included Maelor Forest Nurseries, Tilhill Forestry, Dick Brothers Harvesting, SCA UK (now BSW Timber Solutions), Bayram Timber and Scott Pallets, as well as a joint venture with Power Sheds.


Above: Tony Hackney


BSW Group’s UK chairman, Tony Hackney, has announced his plans to retire at the end of March 2024, following a 30-year career in the timber sector.


Mr Hackney has been the figurehead of BSW for more than 15 years, having joined as chief executive officer in late 2008 and stepping into the role of UK chairman last year.


The organic growth and acquisitions developed the BSW Group into a fully integrated, multifaceted, circular business with a complex offering of products and services.


A hugely respected figure across the entire timber supply chain, Mr Hackney’s efforts were also recognised formally in 2012, when he was named Ernst & Young Scotland Entrepreneur of the Year before appearing at the UK Entrepreneur of the Year final.


His vision and determination, combined


Donaldson Group in charity partnership with the British Heart Foundation


Above: As part of Donaldson Group’s newly created Charity Committee, colleagues voted the BHF as the new charity partner


Donaldson Group has announced a 12-month partnership with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) following a vote by colleagues across the entire business. As part of Donaldson Group’s newly created Charity Committee, colleagues voted on a shortlist of six charities for the partnership. More than just fund-raising for a worthy cause, the partnership with the BHF will also benefit colleagues with a programme of internal training, including CPR training, and registering defibrillators with ambulance services across England and Scotland.


Obituary – Robin Verden


Robin Verden, who began his career in the timber trade as a young man in his early 20s, has died.


His first job was with Montague L Meyer in 1951. He learned the trade well during 10 years at Meyer before moving to another London-based timber importer, Messers, which had offices in the City. Over a period of 20 years with Messers, during which the company was purchased by Meyer, Mr Verden became sales director and then managing director. In 1984 he joined Macintosh and


Partners, based in Henfield, Sussex, staying


there until his retirement in 2004. Mr Verden enjoyed a very busy and colourful social life based in the Hampshire and, more latterly, Kent countryside. Dogs would always be plentiful and whilst horses and stabling also kept him busy, his real passion was sailing. He supported the lifeboats and asked in his memory that donations be made to the RNLI through the following website link https://robinverden. muchloved.com Mr Verden leaves a son and daughter, two grandchildren and five great- grandchildren.


with his strong leadership skills, propelled BSW into its position of market leader. He led the management buyout team, supported by Endless LLP, that ultimately resulted in the landmark sale to Binderholz in 2021.


“Leading BSW through challenging times has been a fantastic experience,” said Mr Hackney. “I would like to thank all of my colleagues and friends across the UK, Latvia and Slovenia for their extraordinary efforts in developing BSW during my period of stewardship. I have valued very highly the relationships with our loyal customers and suppliers and again thank them for their support. I wish you all every success in the future.


“I am very proud of the progress we have made, which has assisted in bringing the company to the strong position it is in now. It presents a good moment for me to choose to retire from BSW to pursue my own business interests and spend more time with my family.”


Kirkwood Timber Frame appointments target UK market growth


Aberdeenshire-based Kirkwood Timber Frame has appointed Barbara Massie as business development director and promoted Steven Robbie to technical director designate, following its commitment to expanding its market share and driving advancement to modern methods of construction (MMC). Barbara Massie, with over 19 years of experience in the construction industry, has established valuable connections and acquired extensive expertise. She has held key roles, such as regional director at NorDan UK, and trading director for north England and Scotland at Travis Perkins, with a focus on company growth and future development.


Steven Robbie has been promoted to technical director designate, marking his first directorial role.


Joining Kirkwood Timber Frame in 2021 as a technical manager, Mr Robbie’s 24 years of experience position him as a vital asset to the company. With a critical focus on training and mentoring, Mr Robbie’s role will enhance the capabilities of the team.


www.ttjonline.com | March/April 2024 | TTJ


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