13 sites across England and Scotland have been immediately closed – however, the branch in Bulwell remains open
SV Timber is part of the National Timber Group, which has been trading since 1920(Image: Google Street View)
A major firm with a Nottingham branch has entered administration and made almost half of its workforce redundant after a difficult trading period and liquidity challenges.
The National Timber Group, which owns several brands including SV Timber in Bulwell, on the Blenheim Industrial Estate, appointed administrators on Wednesday, November 26.
Whilst the Bulwell branch has not been closed, the Sheffield-based company has shut 13 of its 47 sites across the country.
Almost half of the company’s employees – 561 of 1,150 – were made redundant shortly after Michael Magnay, Gemma Quinn and Jonathan Marston of Alvarez and Marsal Europe LLP were appointed as joint administrators.
Administration is a business restructuring process where administrators attempt to rescue the company or achieve better outcomes for creditors – who are owed money by the struggling venture – through selling parts of it.
The administrators said they were hopeful a buyer would found for all or part of the business.
Mr Magnay said: “National Timber Group is the UK’s leading timber supplier to joiners, housebuilders and contractors, operating under a number of widely recognised brands.
“As joint administrators, we have launched an accelerated sale process, and we encourage any interested parties to contact us as soon as possible. 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.”
The sites which have closed with immediate effect in England are in Bradford, Cheltenham, Rainham, Peterborough, Stoke, Alfreton, Northallerton.
“Regrettably, the company’s liquidity challenges have led to a number of immediate redundancies,” Mr Magnay added.
“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.”
National Timber Group England Ltd and its parent firm National Timber Group Midco Ltd filed a notice of intention on November 13.
The company’s latest financial accounts, which cover 2023, showed revenue had increased to £196.5m, compared to £189.3m the year before
However, losses after tax had increased significantly to £27.1m from £7.3m. The firm has been trading since 1920.