66 | Feature: Women In Timber
CINDY CRANCHER SALES DIRECTOR SCOTLINE LTD I joined Peter Millatt, director of Scotline, in 1985 and have been privileged to be a part of the company’s story from the early days. I became the Scotline manager in 1989 looking after the liner service. In 2004, I concentrated more on sales and marketing and was promoted to director in 2006. I have travelled throughout the UK, Sweden and Latvia, building relationships and making many good friends along the way. The team at our Romford office and Rochester terminals have given me an enormous amount of support. I have so enjoyed the camaraderie shared with my colleagues and the friendly customers in the timber trade. When Peter first introduced me to the London Softwood Club in the late 1980s, the meetings were very different to those of today. Only 15-20 people attended and very few women, if any. Thankfully many more women attend these days. The club has gone from strength to strength over the last decade and now has over 100 members. Through their generosity, we have donated and supported so many worthy causes, including Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). That is close to my heart - thank you. It’s an honour to be on the committee of the club. I am always telling people that life is short, and that you must enjoy every moment to the full. That comes from two personal tragedies, I lost my Dad following a car accident in 1979. Then Cerys, the nearest I had to a niece sadly passed away in 2018 aged just 10 years old after a month in Great Ormond Street Hospital.
I retired from Scotline at the end of June and whilst it has been a very difficult decision, now is the time to take some of my own advice, step back, and make more time for myself and my loved ones. ■
JESSICA VERNON BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND PURCHASING MANAGER TIMBER GARDEN BUILDINGS LTD As the business development and purchasing manager at Timber Garden Buildings Ltd, over the past five years I have overseen the strategic sourcing of materials, managed supplier relationships, and driven business growth through new revenue streams within the company.
Timber Garden Buildings produces many different ranges of garden products including; home offices (Vista Collection), greenhouses (Coppice Collection), as well as standard timber products such as storage, summerhouses and playhouse etc (TGB & Shedlands). My role allows me to bridge the gap between product development and procurement while ensuring that our garden buildings meet the highest standards of quality.
I’m passionate about working in the timber industry because it’s more than a career – it’s a continuation of my family’s legacy. Being part of a family-run business gives me a strong sense of pride and meaning. Each day brings fresh challenges that keep me motivated and always learning. Representing the growing movement of women in the timber industry is incredibly empowering. As a young female in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I take honour in contributing to positive change and showing that gender is no barrier to success. Since joining the London Softwoods Committee in March 2024, I’ve had the opportunity to influence the industry from within and connect with others who share the same drive. Recently, I was honoured to be named one
of the Top 30 Under 30 Young Professionals in South Yorkshire – a recognition that means a great deal. It’s encouraging to be acknowledged not only by my own company but also by an independent organisation that sees the value in the effort and dedication I bring to my role. This recognition reinforces my passion for the timber industry and motivates me to continue pushing boundaries, supporting others, and paving the way for future generations of ‘Women in Timber.’ ■
TTJ | July/August 2025 |
www.ttjonline.com
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